A CHARITY that works to stop the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Bolton has received a £16,000 boost from the government.

Bolton Solidarity Community Association is just one of 17 projects across the country to receive a share of £270,000 of government funding, aimed at ending violence against women.

The grant of £16,172.30 will go towards courses, led by the Deane Road charity, to teach education and health professional about FGM and what to do if they come across the case.

Ibrahim Ismail, community development manager at the organisation, said they also work directly with communities in Bolton to eliminate the practice of FGM by focusing on the legal, social and health aspects.

He said: “We’re very happy we have received the funding.

“There are FGM practice communities that live in Bolton, and some of their members are very new to the country. So it is really about raising awareness with them about what the stance of FGM is, particularly in relation to the legality.”

Since 2002 the charity, which has five staff and 45 volunteers, has helping emerging ethnic communities in Bolton with everything from access to employment and training to health, as well as highlighting the dangers of FGM.

The practice, also known as female circumcision, is a ritual for young girls in communities in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Girls who undergo the procedure can suffer bleeding, recurrent infections, cysts and infertility, and in 2012 the UN recognised the practice as a human rights violation.

Mr Ismail added that while the funding is a help, more resources are needed long term to real address the issue of FGM and keep women safe.

“We are able to do some work with this amount of funding, and we’re very grateful for it”, he said.

“However this practice has been happening for centuries across communities and across faiths.

“The fact that it has been a practice accepting and taken as part of the cultural norm, means that it is a long term issue that we need to tackle on a long term basis.”

Communities Minister Stephen Williams said he was proud the government was able to support projects that worked to stamp out FGM.

He said: “I was horrified at what I heard about this deeply embedded cultural practice.

“This practice has no medical benefits; indeed it results in great pain and distress as well as causing medical complications during child birth.

“That’s why I am proud that this government is making good on its pledge at the International Girl Summit to invest in these valuable projects, which will change hearts and minds in local communities, train frontline workers and help bring an end to this terrible practice.”