Not just a problem for women “FGM affects the whole family, this is not just a woman’s problem. There is a lack of awareness among frontline practitioners. The practice is culturally unacceptable & we need to change attitudes.” fiona dwyer from violence against women and girls It takes two Take your pick from two fireworks displays this Sunday, November 2. details below News CELEBRATE Bonfire Night in style with not one but two free fireworks displays courtesy of the council. Pyrotechnics will light up the skies above Weavers Fields, Bethnal Green and Millwall Park, Isle of Dogs on Sunday, November 2 – simultaneously at 7pm. Fireworks, including sparklers, will not be allowed in the parks to ensure everyone can enjoy celebrations safely. A viewing platform at the entrance to Weavers Fields in Mape Street will be available to people with accessibility requirements. There will also be an accessible viewing area in Millwall Park, off East Ferry Road, close to its junction with Chapel House Street. Hot drinks and light refreshments will be available to buy. For further details go to www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/festivals News in brief Warehouse fire SIX fire engines and around 35 firefighters tackled a blaze in a warehouse on an industrial estate in Monier Road, Bow last Monday, October 20. The entire two-storey furniture warehouse was damaged by the fire but there are no houses nearby and no people were involved. The brigade was called at about 8.15am and the blaze was under control three hours later. Crews from four fire stations attended. Station manager Laurie Kenny who was at the scene said: “When crews arrived they were confronted by a sizeable fire and they worked hard to bring the blaze under control and to stop it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.” The cause is under investigation. Where is Sparky? A PENSIONER has put out an urgent appeal for residents to look out for her three-year-old cat Sparky. The owner, from Zander Court, Bethnal Green, said the black tom, with a white patch on his chest, had not been home since last weekend. Sparky is particularly fond of chicken and creamy biscuits. If anyone thinks they have seen him or has been looking after him, call East End Life on 7364 3179. Mums and dads urged to help end FGM abuse BY JACQUELINE HARTHILL THE role of men in ending the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) was highlighted at a conference held in Bethnal Green last week. Organised by the Ocean Somali Community Association as part of the Somali Week Festival, the conference discussed ways to strengthen the campaign to end FGM by addressing some of the gaps and loopholes in current work. Dr Fadumo Omar, who chaired the conference, described FGM as a major infringement of a woman’s human rights. “We need mums and dads to join the campaign and open up the discussion,” she said. Although social and religious reasons were often cited as the reasons for the practice, she said it was also used as a way of controlling a woman’s sexuality. Another speaker, psychotherapist Dr Fatuma Farah, said: “If a practice was started for men, (then) they have a big role in ending it.” It is illegal to practice FGM in the UK and carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine. • 3/5 years Leasing option • No void period • No Management fee Dr Faduma Omar (left) with Dr Fatuma Farah at last week’s conference Thirty-four potential cases were referred to the Metropolitan Police last year, but there has still not been a single prosecution, the conference heard. Fiona Dwyer from the council’s Violence Against Women and Girls service spoke of the necessity to ensure that those on the frontline in social care had the right training £1500FOR CASH INCENTIVE LANDLORDS* 1, 2, 3, 4 bedroom flats/houses wanted • Monies paid instantly upon signing T&C Applies. RENT GUARANTEED 52 WEEKS OF THE YEAR 789 Commercial Road, London E14 7HG t 020 7538 8887 m 07852 243 310 Lines open 24 hours info@metropolitanandcrown.com www.metropolitanandcrown.com Did you know? We are the official leasing agents and preferred choice for your local authority WE GUARANTEE TO LET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE SAME DAY *T&C APPLIES LANDLORDS Does Your Agent Have? Licensed ARLA member for le!ngs? Licensed NAEA member for sales? ? We offer Rent Guarantee 0% Commission Sell your Property 1% Commission 8 Vallance Road, London E1 5HR 0207 375 1188 / 079 4487 2919 (line open 9am-11pm) www.primeestateagents.co.uk admin@primeestateagents.co.uk Members of: to deal with potential cases. “FGM affects the whole family. This is not just a woman’s problem,” she said. In France, there have been more than 100 successful prosecutions using existing child protection laws while Kenya has reduced incidents of FGM to 27 per cent in the last decade. For more details go to www. justiceforfgmvictims.co.uk ! The conference held a minute’s silence in memory of anti-FGM campaigner Efua Dorkenoo, who died from cancer on October 18, aged 65. She received an OBE in 1994 for her work, which she continued until weeks before she died. 27 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2014 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 3
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