I APPLAUD the campaign to speak up about FGM in Oxford (‘Call for men in Oxford to speak out about FGM before start of cutting season’, Oxford Mail, June 13).

Female genital mutilation is a critical issue and the practice of sending girls abroad to undergo the procedure is devastatingly prevalent and often unrecognised. I wholeheartedly agree with encouraging all people, not just survivors and those at risk, to speak up.

Speaking up is only the beginning in the fight to eradicate FGM across the globe. We need to ensure that educators are informed about FGM and know what they can do in schools to curb the practice.

We also need culturally competent healthcare for those affected by FGM. Cutting has lifelong mental, physical, emotional and sexual consequences. Yet, many survivors do not seek out the proper health care because of the stigma they face. When healthcare providers are not trained in how to treat survivors, women and girls affected by FGM are stigmatised and do not receive the medical care they need.

As a survivor and activist, I am envisioning a world without FGM and other gender-based violence. With all of us working together, we are already closer to making that vision a reality.

JAHA DUKUREH

Founder, Safe Hands for Girls Atlanta

Georgia USA