A Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivor has been given a new role with Waltham Forest council as the authority attempts to become a leading light for prevention of the horrendous crime.

The borough has now become one of three pilot areas in the capital where efforts to stop FGM are being significantly stepped up.

Hibo Wardere was forced into being ‘cut’ in her native Somalia when she was just six years old.

Despite the lasting effects resulting from the physical and emotional trauma she suffered, Hibo has dedicated her life to raising awareness and educating others.

The prominent campaigner now been given a role in the council’s community safety department as an FGM Community Mediator within a newly-launched specialist team designed to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Supported by the Mayor’s Office as part of its Harmful Practices pilot project, Waltham Forest has been awarded funding to embark on new measures to help keep women and girls safe from harm.

Hibo said: “I passionately believe that increasing people’s knowledge and awareness of FGM are key to helping put a stop to it.

“It’s vital that organisations with the means to do so ensure the right kind of support is available to victims, because the psychological consequences of FGM are severe.

“As a proud Waltham Forest resident, I’m hugely encouraged by the Council’s proactive efforts to tackle this issue.”

In her role as a community mediator, Hibo is responsible for engaging with communities in Waltham Forest to raise awareness of FGM.

This will include organising special classes in schools to teach young people about the issue and running workshops and information sessions across the borough.

Hibo will also help train officers to identify those at risk.

Cllr Liaquat Ali MBE JP, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: “Having employees like Hibo, whose bravery, expertise and determination to succeed are clear for all to see, as well as several local organisations dedicated to supporting victims of violence, puts us in a fantastic position to carry out some really trail-blazing work as part of our ongoing efforts to bring about an end to harmful practices like FGM.”

The council’s new VAWG team is also tasked with tackling domestic violence (DV), hate crime, sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, forced marriage and honour-based violence.