Why I Bought Red Triangle Badge

Why I bought the Red Triangle Badge

I did not want my concern to fade into silence. Instead, I wanted a practical route to prevention.

A badge might look small. However, visibility changes conversations. When people notice it, they ask what it means. That question matters because it breaks the silence that allows abuse to hide.

Most importantly, buying the badge supports prevention work. It helps fund education in schools and strengthens safeguarding. Therefore, this one purchase can contribute to real protection.

What the Red Triangle Badge means

The Red Triangle Badge is Freedom Charity’s symbol against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). In practice, it is a small, downward-facing red triangle worn in solidarity with girls at risk and survivors.

Wearing the badge signals zero tolerance of FGM. It also makes your position clear before you say a word.

The message behind it is simple:

Because the badge is deliberately simple, the meaning stays clear. As a result, it works in workplaces, schools, and everyday settings.

What is FGM and why does it matter?

FGM means Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. It refers to procedures that injure or alter female genitalia for non-medical reasons. In many cases, families subject their children to it.

The harm can be immediate. For example, FGM can cause severe pain, bleeding, and infection. Over time, it may also lead to long-term health complications and deep psychological trauma.

UNICEF estimates that around 230 million women and girls worldwide are living with the consequences of FGM. Some girls remain at risk today, including in the UK. Therefore, prevention matters here as well as globally.

Language also matters. When people describe abuse as “honour”, they disguise harm. In short, there is no honour in harming a child.

How the Red Triangle Badge funds prevention

Some symbols exist only for awareness. This one supports prevention.

Buying the Red Triangle Badge helps Freedom Charity continue essential work in practical ways. For instance, it supports education with young people in schools. In addition, it strengthens safeguarding awareness and early intervention.

Education is where prevention starts. Without education, silence persists. With education, young people gain language and confidence. As a result, communities become safer for girls.

“Not in My Name” and why boys matter

FGM continues when people feel unable to speak. Silence gives it cover, so prevention must involve the whole community.

Freedom Charity has worked with thousands of boys and young men in UK schools to raise awareness of FGM and strengthen prevention. Through that work, the “Not in My Name” message gives them a clear way to stand up and speak out.

The pledge is direct:

Not in my name.
Not in my family.
Not in my community.
Not in our future.

When boys and young men say this out loud, it challenges harmful norms. Meanwhile, it strengthens safeguarding. Crucially, it signals to girls that people will listen and act.

How buying the badge supports books and education

Badge purchases also support education resources for young people.

Freedom Charity uses Cut Flowers, a novel by Aneeta Prem, to help young people understand FGM through story. The book comes with a lesson plan and has PSHE Association accreditation, which supports safe classroom delivery.

Teenagers engage with narrative. As a result, stories can shift attitudes more effectively than statistics alone. In addition, they make difficult topics easier to discuss.

Buy the Red Triangle Badge (£5)

If you want to help end FGM, take a practical step.

Buy the badge. Wear it visibly. Start conversations. Support prevention through education.

 Buy via the shop: https://freedomcharity.org.uk/shop/
Read the campaign page: https://freedomcharity.org.uk/red-triangle-badge-against-fgm/

If you are buying for a school, workplace, council, police service, or safeguarding team, a bulk order signals a visible commitment. In turn, it helps make refusal normal.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM (6 February)

International FGM Day is marked on 6 February each year. That date focuses attention. However, prevention must continue beyond one day.

Wearing the badge on 6 February is visible. Wearing it after 6 February helps build lasting change.

FAQs about the Red Triangle Badge

What does the Red Triangle Badge mean?

The Red Triangle Badge is Freedom Charity’s symbol against FGM. Wearing it signals zero tolerance and supports prevention through education.

How does buying the Red Triangle Badge help?

Badge purchases support prevention work, including education in schools and resources that strengthen safeguarding.

What is FGM?

FGM means Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. It involves injury to female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is widely recognised as a serious human rights abuse.

Is FGM illegal in the UK?

Yes. FGM is a criminal offence across the UK under specific legislation.