International Day Against FGC: 6 February

Sister Fa, the award-winning Senegalese urban soul and hip-hop artist will speak at a House of Commons event today about the progress made to end female genital cutting (FGC). She is a recent winner of the highly prestigious Freedom to Create award – which showcases the creativity of artists who use their talents to promote social justice.

Three million girls in Africa alone are affected by FGC every year. It takes place in 28 African countries, parts of the Middle East and Asia, and in diaspora communities in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. 140 million women live with the difficult consequences. However, recent progress has led to sweeping abandonment of FGC across West Africa, with over 6,200 communities choosing to end this practice – one of them is Sister Fa’s own community.

This House of Commons event shows an unprecedented level of interest and greater collaboration from Westminster in the issue of ending female genital cutting. 

Sister Fa said: “I am an artist, a rapper and an activist, and because FGC affected my life so much, I want to talk about it. I still remember the day when it happened. I also know that things are changing and that when people understand they have a choice, they are able to change. There is hope for the future. I am just trying to speak for the many women who don’t have an opportunity to raise their own voices. I am giving them a voice through my music.”

Minister for International Development, Stephen O’Brien, said:”This is a critical but neglected issue that deserves global attention. The extremely painful and often disabling consequences of female genital cutting are not only damaging to individual girls and women, but also affect their families and livelihoods. The UK is working in countries such as Kenya, Somalia and Senegal to help communities end this practice, and is looking at how we might do more to support its complete abandonment.”

Sister Fa will also be performing at the Union Chapel tonight, 6 February, to celebrate the progress made to end FGC.

SARABAH Trailer from Maria Luisa Gambale on Vimeo.