Comic Relief, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Trust for London and Rosa have collaborated on a £1.6m programme to tackle female genital mutilation in the UK.

Under the initiative, certain sections of communities affected by female genital mutilation (FGM), such as religious leaders, older women, and men will be targeted to raise awareness. The scheme will also aim to increase skills and capacity in FGM communities and strengthen links between community groups and statutory agencies.

Eleven projects will share £1.2m over three years, while Comic Relief will fund a £350,000 small grants programme aimed at broadening the network of organisations working to tackle FGM in communities.

Maggie Baxter (pictured), chair of Rosa, said:

“Over 20,000 girls are estimated to be at risk of FGM in the UK. If it is to be tackled then the issue needs a more serious response from the authorities as well as investment in projects targeting affected communities.

“That is why Rosa, the only UK-wide fund for women and girls, working in partnership with the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Trust for London and Comic Relief are providing this funding for community projects.

“FGM is a severe abuse of human rights and all of the funders hope to contribute to eliminating it in the UK.”