Work to stop radical groups

SASCA is to hold a series of events aimed at raising awareness on the dangers radical groups pose in threating to divide Manchester communities, based on misinterpretation on the Islamic teachings.

The events will focus on the danger of radicalism making vulnerable individuals become part of such groups and mosques and religious institutions will play important roles in curbing the radicalism.

Islamic scholars will be invited to give lectures and explain the true teachings of Islam and that radicalism is not acceptable in Islam. Awareness sessions will focus on more interaction between Muslim and non-Muslim communities to live in harmony and respect regardless of race, sex and religion.

Sasca reach-out volunteers will be getting in touch with the vulnerable individuals, particularly with the young people to engage them in volunteering, get employment and building relationships within the Manchester communities.

of the Somali community, so why only the Somali community members?

Mina: As I already mentioned, the Somali lady who I met in Japan gave me a strong impression about Somalia and I wanted to learn more about Somalia, not only its attitude towards FGM but also just more about the country’s cultures and traditions.

SASCA: It is always said there is a taboo surrounding the issue and people do not like to talk about. How has the response from the community been so far?

Mina: To be honest, before I started my field research, I was really worried that the community members wouldn’t want to talk about FGM with me as it is a taboo subject and I am not from a Somali background. Especially as I planned to interview not only female members of the community but also male members – this was really challenging for me.

Surprisingly, every community member who I met and undertook interviews with were really open-minded, so I could talk about FGM with both men and women and I could gather lots of important information for my research. I really appreciate everyone for accepting me and welcoming me into the community.

SASCA: What do you think pushes parents to carry out this practice on their daughters and during your research, have you met someone who has suffered as the direct consequence of this practice?

Mina: There are really complicated factors that come into play when deciding whether or not to practice on daughters mainly around the parents’ own background, experiences and upbringing. I have met some women that have