The Fight to end FGM

Refreshing new developments!!! We must keep forging ahead.  See below

END FGM European Campaign
Dear supporters,
We hope that you are having a great 2013 so far! The movement for ending FGM is growing and going international (UN resolution adopted in December) and we are busily preparing for the finale of the ART FOR ACTION tour in Brussels next month! It certainly feels like the air is changing and we are moving closer to seeing concrete action! Enjoy the update and stay updated via our social media feed on Facebook and Twitter.
END FGM team
Highlights

The UN resolution “Intensifying efforts for the elimination of female genital mutilations” was adopted by the General Assembly on 20 December 2012. Read our call to the EU in advance of this historic resolution here.

Important Dates

6 February: International Day of Zero Tolerance to female genital mutilation
27 February: Art for Action: Ending Female Genital Mutilation seminar and gala in Brussels

EU Developments

The European Parliament written declaration calling on the EU and its Member States to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on violence against women has not been adopted yet. Out of 377 signatures that are needed for the written declaration to be adopted, only 260 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have signed. ACTION: You can support our call by contacting your national MEPs directly by email. The last opportunity for MEPs to sign will be the next plenary session on 6 February. Contact us for more information.

The European Commission is expected to launch a consultation in March to develop a set of policies on FGM. This development has come after a long engagement of the END FGM Campaign and, most recently, a constructive expert meeting with European Commission officials, our partners and other NGOs from across Europe.

The EU Council Conclusions on Combating Violence against Women, and the Provision of Support Services for Victims of Domestic Violence were adopted on 6 December 2012. The Council calls on the European Commission and member states to consider developing a European Strategy on violence against women and the EU to consider signing, ratifying and implementing the Council of Europe Convention on violence against women.

In addition, the European Parliament released its Report on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union 2010 – 2011, reiterating the call to the Commission to deliver a strategy on violence against women, and the member states to address the issue in a comprehensive manner.

In its EU Presidency Programme, Ireland has confirmed that it will address violence against women in the context of the Rights and Citizenship programme. Ireland also committed to ensure a strong EU position at the UN Commission on the Status of Women 2013.

On 29 January, Members of the European Parliament joined Eve Ensler, founder of the One Billion Rising movement, and danced to end violence against women in the European Parliament. The End FGM Campaign team met Eve and gifted her a brooch containing the signed rose petals. We will be rising with the rest of Brussels to demand an end to violence against women on 14 February. Find out more here.


END FGM Campaign at work

Art for Action Tour – The final leg of the Art for Action Tour will be celebrated in Brussels on 27 February. The campaign will host a seminar in the morning with the participation of decision makers, NGOs, national agencies and professionals that will address current needs and the EU’s role in the efforts to end FGM. In the evening, a gala event will be hosted in Bozar, where the four art pieces designed for the Campaign will be exhibited in the presence of decision makers, artists, NGOs and rights holders. Find out more about the tour here.

International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation

6 February is the tenth anniversary of the International Day. On this occasion, End FGM European Campaign will launch a video promoting the Art for Action tour.

Events organised by END FGM partners and strong voices:
(6 Feb) GAMS Belgium will organize two events: a theatrical and musical performance, and a photo exhibition in the lobby of the North Station in Brussels. In addition, on 7 February GAMS Belgium will host a morning of information and exchange on FGM in the Brussels Parliament. Find out more here.
(6 Feb) GAMS (France) will hold events across France, including training sessions for professionals, film projections, theatrical representations and concerts. More information available here (in French).
(6 Feb) AkiDwA (Ireland) will launch their latest report, a survey on the knowledge of female genital mutilation amongst General Practitioners in Ireland. The event will take place at the Irish Aid Information and Volunteering Centre, Dublin, and will be followed by a discussion with the doctors that participated in the survey. Find out more here.
(6 Feb) Maisha (Germany) will hold an open day to share information on FGM and their work as well as providing a space of discussion for all stakeholders. For more information visit their website.
(6 Feb) Female Integrity (Sweden) will hold a panel discussion with RISK, other organisations and community members in Uppsala. The discussion will focus on the expected outcomes after the adoption of the UN resolution on FGM. Contact Female Integrity for more information.
(6 Feb) Daughters of Eve (UK) will be marking the Zero Tolerance Day by celebrating an event with Integrate Bristol. For more information, contact Integrate Bristol.
(6 Feb) FSAN (Netherlands) will be taking part in the conference organized by Platform 6/2 to raise awareness on FGM and discuss the appropriate policies to end the practice. Access the programme here (in Dutch).
(6 Feb) Aidos (Italy) is organizing a high level meeting at the Department of Equal Opportunities with the participation of the Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. On this occasion Aidos will present the “United to End FGM” e-learning tool for health and asylum professionals.
( 7 Feb) Ifrah Ahmed is hosting a workshop in Dublin with Zahra Naleie from FSAN (Netherlands) for professionals from health, social services and police sector. This is to raise awareness of the new Irish law and help professionals in protecting girls and women at risk and those suffering with the consequences of FGM. More details will be available soon here.


The END FGM European Campaign is run by Amnesty International Ireland, in partnership with 14 organisations across Europe. We work to ensure the European Union develops a comprehensive approach to end female genital mutilation and protect women and girls at risk. Visit our website here.