Female Genital Mutilation (often referred to as FGM) is an operation in which the female genitals are partly or entirely removed or injured with the goal of inhibiting a woman’s sexual feelings.  It is usually performed without anaesthetic and under catastrophic hygienic circumstances. Knives, scissors, razor blades or pieces of broken glass are often used as instruments.

FGM continues to be practised in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia.  It is also practised by immigrants to Europe.  According to research conducted in the UK, up to 6000 girls in London are at risk of undergoing FGM. In the UK as a whole, as many as 22,000 are threatened.

The film “Cut – Some Wounds Never Heal” was produced by schoolgirls aged 12 to 15 from the Lilian Baylis Technology School in London, who all come from immigrant families from East Africa and are affected by FGM. They were supported by the organisation Kids Task Force and TV producer Rob White.  The film features Somali model Waris Dirie, who was a victim of the practice.  Dirie’s Desert Flower Foundation seeks to end FGM by raising public awareness, creating networks, organizing events and educational programmes. The foundation also supports victims of FGM.

The movie will be made available to all schools in the UK for educational purposes.