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Liz Truss calls on Government to put more money into tackling FGM

Liz Truss today called on the Government to prioritise public spending on tackling female genital mutilation because of its economic impact on women.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is the latest high-profile politician to back UK-based campaigners trying to stamp out the practice.

Ahead of an event at the Treasury tonight with anti-FGM campaigner Nimco Ali and women’s rights campaigner Dame Helena Morrissey, Ms Truss said the issue must be a priority for British aid spending as well as enforcement in Britain.

The mother-of-two said beyond health risks, the Government needed to look at how countries are impacted long-term as FGM limits women’s ability to work.

“FGM, just like any other kind of violence against women and young girls, is an effort to control and curtail liberty. It is picking on those with the least power and seeking to hold them back, restrict them and contain them ... It can deprive women and girls of the confidence to seek out and grasp opportunities,” said Ms Truss.

The panel discussion, The Economic Case For Ending FGM, is an attempt to bring further attention to the issue ahead of this year’s expected spending review.

More than 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone female genital mutilation, the majority in Africa. It is estimated that 8000 girls are cut every day.

The latest NHS figures show a 21 per cent increase in the number of people registered with FGM attending hospital or GP appointments in London.

There were 2,975 women or girls identified as having undergone some form of FGM who had attended an NHS trust or GP practice in London in the 12 months to September 2018, compared to 2,465 the previous year.

As well as physical health risks from pain and trauma, it can also lead to mental health problems, including anxiety and PTSD.

Ms Truss said: “FGM doesn’t set the trajectory of anyone’s life. And many survivors go on to flourish.

“But we all have a duty to make sure children have sound foundations to make the best possible start in life.

“That’s why ending this practice should be a priority for public money.”

The Gambia, Nigeria and Mauritania have made the practice illegal, while Burkina Faso, Egypt, and Uganda have all strengthened their laws.

The UK announced a £50 million aid package to tackle FGM in November 2018.

Nimco Ali, 36, who was cut age seven during a family holiday to Djibouti, said: “The harm inflicted by FGM is not just to the individual. The economic consequences are vast – with millions of young girls worldwide, afflicted with lifelong health issues, prevented from seeing education and training, or accessing the opportunities they deserve to make the most of their talents.

“Ending the practice is not just vital for the safety of young girls, but for a country with a strong thriving economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”