THE PROJECT
'No More Cutting' is a project to raise awareness of female genital mutilation.
In some parts of the world stereotypes have created the idea of "normal" and "preferred" female genitalia. Some women choose to cut themselves to fit this distorted image of normality, when in reality normality comes in many shapes and forms. We must encourage women to be proud and celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the natural female form and not be pressured to change.
In stark contrast 3 million girls and women are subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) each year against their will and without proper understanding of what is happening to them. It is an extreme form of discrimination that millions of women and girls have been affected by and 8300 girls a day are at risk of being cut. These women and girls aren't presented with the choice to remain uncut and be themselves.
This project aims to highlight that human diversity, each unique genital is hand crafted from paper to capture the fragility and beauty of each and everyone.
As this project grows we hope to raise awareness, open discussion and gain more support for the on going ambition to end FGM within a generation. Through new laws being passed, more education and general opinion changing there is hope to make this a reality.
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'No More Cutting' is a production of Papersmith Studio created by director Mandy Smith. The project was brought to life through on going collaborations with Random Studio, Oksana Valentelis and Kyla Elaine.
We are always looking for more people to get involved with the project, if you're interested please reach out to studio@papersmith.co
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia. It is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women around the world have undergone genital mutilation. FGM ranges from the partial or total removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy), to the removal of the entire clitoris and the cutting of the labia minora (excision), to its most extreme form, the removal of all external genitalia and the stitching together of the two sides of the vulva (infibulation).
FGM is generally done without anaesthetic, and can have lifelong health consequences including chronic infection, severe pain during urination, menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth, and psychological trauma. No one knows how many girls die from FGM.
(courtesy of Daughters of Eve)
SUPPORT US
'No More Cutting' can be supported financially by purchasing some individually hand crafted Vagina Badges.
The Vagina Badges come in three separate sizes:
- Small Badges have a 4cm diameter and cost 15 pounds +p&p.
- Medium Badges have a 5cm diameter and cost 25 pounds +p&p.
- Large Badges have an 8.5cm diameter and cost 50 pounds +p&p.
We can also make bespoke Vagina artwork for 100 pounds +P&P
Orders can be placed through info@nomorecutting.com
All profits are donated to Equality Now.
UPLOAD
'No More Cutting' aims to be the place that women and girls will go to feel confident about their labia, but also be a place to educate everybody and change preconceptions about the term "normality". No More Cutting lives online to be easily accessible for the people looking for and most needing the information displayed.
To keep this project growing we need your help - we are looking for women, aged 18 plus, with genitals of all shapes and sizes to step forward and join the study.
As the project grows we aim to present the artwork in the physical world and fill an exhibition space from floor to ceiling on International Women's Day.
To upload a picture of your genitals and have it made by one of our artists please do one of the following:
- Upload anonymously via this link, or
- e-mail us at info@nomorecutting.com
If youâd like to speak to the artists first about the project before getting involved please send any questions to:
info@nomorecutting.com