Forthcoming FORWARD Study On FGM Prevalence in England and Wales

A new study to estimate the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales is currently being undertaken. The research is being conducted by FORWARD founder Efua Dorkenoo in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and City University.

The findings of the study which will be published later this year are eagerly awaited for without reliable data documenting the extent of the practice of FGM within some communities within UK it is difficult to produce a successful national strategy for the prevention and the elimination of FGM in the UK. An urgent need for such data has been expressed at all levels, from grassroots organisations through to parliament.

Comprehensive data would act as a baseline against which to measure the achievements of programmes, such as those of FORWARD, to combat FGM, as well as for targeted advocacy initiatives. As well as providing an estimated figure for the number of women in England and Wales who have undergone some form of FGM the data is also aiming to provide a crude estimate of girls under the age of 15 who are at risk of FGM in England and Wales.

Furthermore reliable data on FGM will also assist in informing members of the maternity and gynaecological services on how to care for women with complications of FGM. In conjunction with the study the Department of Health has produced a CD ROM aimed at health care professionals, intended to give guidance for the mainstreaming of FGM into healthcare.

Watch this space for the results of the Study!

A new book on FGM by Efua Dorkenoo is also soon to be published, read about this here.