Leaders in BME communities should increase efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation, according to a speaker at an event on raising awareness on the issue.
The Centre for Development and Community Welfare hosted a day of action at The Hub, in Star Lane, Canning Town.
The organisation believes the illegal practice is rising in some communities in Newham and wants to recruit women to help eradicate it.
Spokesman Columbus Ndeloa, Director of the centre for development and community welfare called for community leaders especially for BME communities to increase efforts towards the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in the UK.
He said the community participation approach and frank public discussion about FGM in the UK will empower women and make the wider community aware that FGM is not acceptable and must be stopped. said the community education approach is vital in the against female genital mutilation.
He said: “Over the years we have been working with the police, black minority ethnic organisations and other stakeholders to highlight this crime.
“We also want to advocate for tougher laws and implementation of the 2003 Female Genital Mutilation Act passed by the UK parliament.
Other speakers spoke about the prevalence of the practice and its impact on the lives of many young girls who often become infected with AIDS or HIV.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here