Since 2007 Bristol has been determined to end the practice and joined the fight to safeguard girls from the practice of FGM and to provide support to those affected. A group of brave and inspiring women from Bristol FGM-affected communities have joined forces to tackle this human rights violation and lead social actions to bring an end to FGM. The Bristol women have launched a visionary and dedicated social movement of empowered women to raise awareness of the harm of FGM. The Bristol FGM Community Development and Awareness Project recognises that this is a battle of hearts and minds and a campaign to challenge a deeply rooted social tradition.
The Bristol FGM Community Development and Awareness Programme is a unique and pioneering partnership model where FORWARD, as the leading national organisation to end FGM, brought decades of expertise and knowledge to the city and embarked on nearly a decade long programme to train, nurture and mentor local women to lead change. In this partnership model, Refugee Women of Bristol, a local organisation, has provided the space and the conducive atmosphere for local women to build their campaign and develop critical leadership skills to challenge cultural and social norms.
