Some Member States have seen an increase of Female Genital Mutilitation (FGM).[1] The spread of this form of gender-based violence – also due to migration of people from countries where FGM is practiced – shows that the EU needs a comprehensive strategy to effectively combat FGM.
Although health professionals deal with women who have undergone FGM, very few Member States’ hospital and medical records contain information on FGM, how to recognise and provide holistic support. Unfortunately, survivors are still not informed enough about the services available for them. This can be caused by a lack of trust in authorities, language barriers or general inaccessibility.[2]
To tackle this, we need to invest in funding on psychosocial and sexual healthcare and create safe spaces where informed professionals would improve the healthcare and social support dedicated to survivors of FGM. We need to sustain state measures of protection, prevention and support.
In this context, the End FGM European Network works to foster dialogues across different sectors – law, health, social protection – to provide knowledge exhange within different sectors and support holistic approach to stop FGM.
Discover more on the platform www.endfgm.eu
Follow the campaign at #BehindEndingFGM @endfgmeuropeannetwork
[1] https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/female-genital-mutilation
[2] https://www.endfgm.eu/content/documents/reports/FGM-EU_AFTEROL_08.11.2021-1-.jpg
