Written evidence from Naimah Hassan, Co Founder and CEO of African Women Rights Advocates (AWRA) [FGM 0006]

Dear Women and Equalities Committee

My name is Naimah Hassan, and I am a human rights advocate with 17 years of experience in the international development sector. I currently serve as the Co-founder and CEO of African Women Rights Advocates (AWRA), a survivor-led initiative dedicated to eradicating abuses such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through collaborative partnerships, impactful campaigns, and policy advocacy.

AWRA brings together African activists, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to address the socio-economic, political, and environmental challenges faced by African women and girls. With global hubs in the Netherlands and the UK and regional hubs in Kenya and The Gambia, AWRA strives to amplify survivor voices, influence policy, and build a unified movement for gender equality across Africa and beyond.

As a Somali-British citizen, my personal experience offers a unique perspective on the narratives surrounding FGM within my community. Unlike many of the stories that often dominate discussions on FGM, I am not a survivor—thanks to the courageous decision made by my parents (particularly my mother) and her sisters to break the cycle. As a result, my three sisters and forty-five cousins, all born and raised in the United Kingdom, are also FGM-free. I believe it is crucial to incorporate such stories into the broader discourse to present a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the issue.

I am writing to respectfully raise a few concerns regarding the recent parliamentary discussions on FGM in the UK, with the hope of contributing to a more informed and effective dialogue:

1.  Ensuring Adequate Preparation of MPs

While I appreciate the efforts made to address FGM, some of the questions raised by MPs appeared to lack sufficient preparation and understanding of the issue. This, unfortunately, may have caused distress to those affected by FGM. Given the sensitivity of the topic, I strongly recommend that MPs receive enhanced briefings and guidance to ensure that future discussions are more informed, empathetic, and considerate.

2.  Inclusion of Key Organisations and Experts

The UK is home to many outstanding organisations with extensive expertise on FGM, such as Forward UK, The Vavengers, Orchid Project, and IKWRO. These organisations have been working tirelessly to support survivors and advocate for policy changes. I urge the Committee

to actively engage these organisations in future sessions to benefit from their valuable insights and ground-level experiences.

3.  Avoiding Stereotypes: FGM as a Global Issue

I am concerned that the discussions seemed to frame FGM primarily as an “African issue,” which risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes. FGM is a global concern affecting diverse communities, and it is essential to adopt a more inclusive approach that accurately reflects the global scope of the problem. This would also help build cross-community solidarity in addressing FGM.

4.  Request for a Follow-up Evidence Session

I propose holding a follow-up evidence session, ideally preceded by a preparatory briefing for MPs to deepen their understanding of the appropriate language and context when discussing FGM. Additionally, framing FGM as part of a broader spectrum of gender-based violence—including modern slavery, forced marriage, and domestic abuse—could provide a more comprehensive and effective framework for tackling these interconnected issues.

5.  Addressing Legal Inconsistencies: The Case for Banning Labiaplasty on Minors in the UK

Recent reports have highlighted a concerning rise in labiaplasty among underage girls in the UK, driven by societal pressures and unrealistic body standards promoted by social media and pornography. Labiaplasty, when performed on minors without medical necessity, aligns with FGM Type 4 according to WHO classifications. This growing trend exposes a critical inconsistency in the UK’s stance on female genital cutting: while FGM is rightfully condemned and banned, labiaplasty on minors remains legal and increasingly prevalent.

Many young girls, dissatisfied with their bodies due to distorted media representations, are seeking this procedure, with some even considering overseas travel to circumvent potential restrictions. This poses substantial risks to their physical and mental well-being. Allowing labiaplasty for minors not only contradicts the principles behind the UK’s FGM legislation but also inadvertently legitimises the practice of genital alteration for cosmetic reasons.

I urge the Committee to consider extending the existing FGM legislation to include a ban on labiaplasty for minors unless there is a clear medical necessity. Such a move would safeguard young girls from societal pressures and ensure that all forms of unnecessary genital cutting are treated with equal seriousness under the law.

The UK has played a pivotal role globally in the fight against FGM and, with a balanced and inclusive approach, can continue to lead by example. I hope you will consider these suggestions in the spirit of constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to ending all forms of harmful genital cutting.

Thank you very much for your attention and for your continued efforts to address this critical issue. I look forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely

Naimah Hassan

March 2025