Dr Comfort Momoh, MBE

Dr Comfort Momoh, MBE
FGM/Public Health Specialist, African Well Woman’s Clinic, United Kingdom

“I see over 400 women and girls at the African Well Woman’s Clinic at Guy’s and St Thomas hospitals in London with FGM related problems such as flash backs, memories, recurrent urinary infection and difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, the fact that FGM is intricately located within a sexual and reproductive sphere, making it ‘taboo’ in many cultures, women are often disinclined to talk about their experiences. These compounding factors have made FGM increasingly convenient to ignore. As a specialist in this field I believe it is essential that the EU gets involved in data collection and coordinates activities on FGM at a European level. We need to know the extent of the problem in each European country, we need data collection to give an idea of incidence and we also need to look at child protection issues.”
 

WHAT CAN THE EUROPEAN UNION DO?

To date, there is no data collection on FGM which would allow for comparison or an assessment of the magnitude of the problem in Europe. The available data is only based on estimates using methods which are flawed.

The EU must initiate qualitative and quantitative research on FGM at the European level as it would relate to a significant number of women and girls whose lives could be considerably improved.
 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Join us in our demand to the EU to collect data on women and girls affected by FGM in the EU.

Show your support for END FGM European Campaign’s call for an inclusive EU-wide strategy to bring FGM to an end.
 

ACT NOW: Sign the petition!