Zawe Ashton: "FGM is not a 'female problem'; it’s a human rights problem"

Zawe Ashton is one of the most unique British actresses working today, with her short yet successful career spanning stage, television and film. Here, she writes about why she wanted to work with Comic Relief, and why female genital mutilation (FGM) is not just a 'female problem'.

When Comic Relief told me about their documentary on female genital mutilation (FGM), I knew I had to get on board. It’s a complex subject that I feel very passionate about and it was incredible to have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of its origins and its ramifications on both individuals and entire communities.

Millions of girls around the globe are affected by FGM - including right here on our doorstep in the UK

Zawe Ashton

The opportunity to spend time immersed in Maasai culture led by the self-proclaimed ‘Vagina Warrior’ Ms Agnes Pareyio, was one of a lifetime. She is leading the charge on ending FGM among the Maasai community, and to lend my support to her mission in person was a great privilege. But it’s not just Kenya, or Africa where FGM is prevalent; millions of girls around the globe are affected by FGM - including right here on our doorstep in the UK. I feel even more inspired by the survivors and activists I met in the UK and Kenya to be proactive in the fight against FGM, working towards a world that is free from FGM so that all women and girls have the right to their own bodies.

The fearlessness, intelligence and generosity of the women and the men I encountered making this film, filled me with hope. Even on the hardest days, there would always be an act of humanitarianism that would lift your spirits again.

I do hope that people who watch the film will donate to help bring more awareness to the subject of FGM and to finally put an end to this practise that can mean lifelong physical and psychological problems for what should be an empowered and influential next generation of young women. People’s donations are not going toward destroying communities in order to end the practice of FGM, but rather supporting them to change.

FGM is not a ‘female problem’; it’s a human rights problem. I hope that the documentary will have an impact on everyone.