A NEW movement in Southampton is making a stand against female genital mutilation (FGM).

To spread awareness about the illegal procedure, which involves female genitals being deliberately cut, injured or changed, a Zero Tolerance to FGM Day will be held in Southampton next month.

It comes after the government decided that secondary schools would teach the dangers of FGM from September.

The campaign is backed by charities and groups across the city, such as Yellow Door and their women’s group Southampton African Women’s Alliance, Hampshire Police, CLEAR, West Itchen Community Trust, World Stages Now, TUVAA (The United Voices of African Associations), and Southampton City Council.

These groups have been pictured holding a sign of artwork created by artist Deborah Goatley-Birch at different locations across Southampton.

Councillor and cabinet member for homes and culture, Satvir Kaur, said: “FGM is a crime that is rarely spoken about, but no less an important issue that impacts our local communities."

All the photographs will be combined to make an interactive map filled with different groups and people across the city who support the campaign.

Sujala Singh, a harmful practices advocate from the Diversion and Inclusion Service for Yellow Door, said: “We want to highlight what FGM is about, as well as hold a celebration of culture. FGM has been a conversation in Southampton for a long time - there have definitely been cases of FGM here. It isn’t far away. It is very harmful for girls and woman, and so it is important to recognise this.”

The Zero Tolerance to FGM Day is hosting the awareness event on February 6 at the NST City theatre. Food, art activities, drama and live music will be on offer at the theatre from 1.30pm to 5pm.