Latest News
Posted on September 12th 2017
FGM Doctor Comfort Momoh MBE Visits Academy
Dr Comfort Momoh MBE visited Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich recently to talk to our students about female genital mutilation (FGM).
Dr Momoh is a midwife who specialises in the study and treatment of FGM. She works at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust where she runs the African Well Women’s Clinic, dedicated to caring for women affected by FGM. She received her MBE from the Queen for services to women’s health.
Dr Momoh spoke to every student in Years 7-10, explaining to them what FGM was clinically, that this is not an act required by any religion, that it is entirely illegal and leaves young ladies and women with a lifetime of physical and emotional difficulty.
She talked about the support that can be offered to them by clinics such as hers. She also told them how, where and by whom the procedure is normally carried out so that they could be aware of the potential dangers or risks that someone might find themselves in.
Should not be kept quiet
We emphasised to students that this act is abuse and that no child or young woman should have to suffer it; that no family has the right to enforce this upon their daughter or relative. We explained to students that this was not a matter that should be taboo or kept quiet; that if they feel they are at risk or they want to discuss this matter further, staff at the academy are willing to talk to them and to support them in keeping themselves safe.
We reinforced to students that if they feel themselves at risk, if they believe someone else is at risk or if this is a matter they need further support with, they should be unafraid to talk to someone at school so that help can be gained.
Contact numbers
Dr Momoh also gave us her contact numbers and the NSPCC contact number and we told students that these will be on our website so that if they ever need help outside of academy hours, they know how to access it.
Students were also reminded that the police are always at the end of the phone on 999 in an emergency and that imminent risk of FGM was definitely such an emergency.
The important contact numbers for anyone in need of help or support with this matter are:
- Dr Comfort Momoh’s clinic 020 7188 6872
- Dr Comfort Momoh’s work mobile 07956542576
- NSPCC 0800 028 3550
Many thanks to Dr Momoh for attending the academy. She will be back soon to talk to Years 11-13 also.
