The aim of this round table is to pool existing expertise and knowledge at the level of the Member States in tackling FGM, to initiate specific cooperation on prevention, and to contribute to the actions of the European Commission at the EU level.
On Tuesday, June 9, EIGE presented its new report on the ‘Estimation of girls at risk of female genital mutilation in the European Union’ and the Step-by-step guide to support Member States in replicating the study to estimate FGM risk. The meeting took place at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal, and brought together government representatives, researchers and civil society organisations. The round table presented an excellent opportunity for exchange.
The welcoming speeches by Teresa Morais, Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Equality, Leonor Beleza, president of the Champalimaud Foundation, and EIGE’s director Virginija Langbakk emphasised the importance of continually raising the issue of FGM and developing strategies for its eradication. Jurgita Pečiūrienė, EIGE’s expert on gender-based violence, presented the full report. She effectively outlined how the methodology for FGM risk estimations was developed. This new methodology combines quantative and qualitative findings and thus takes into account the effect of migration on the continuation or abandonment of FGM.
The first of two expert panels presented the current efforts in combating female genital mutilation of the Member States participating in the pilot study (Portugal, Sweden and Ireland). It became clear that the approach of educating the FGM-practicing communities the health issues arising out of FGM has proven very effective. Increasing knowledge about FGM among health professionals is necessary as well. It is important to treat the problem from a transnational perspective, including both countries of origin as well as countries of destination.
Both the speakers of the panel on due diligence on behalf of the Member State as well as the speakers of the second panel focusing on the role of communities in combating FGM stressed that positive and permanent social change can only come about through changing attitudes and values. For this, the involvement of communities is crucial. The meeting closed with a discussion about strategies to combat FGM. Here, it was reiterated that education is a central factor in bringing about a change of attitudes. Continuous exchange between men and women should be encouraged so that a new generation can be educated to respect women’s bodily integrity
Agenda of the meeting (.pdf)
Participants list (.pdf)
Presentations
Welcome speech (.pdf), Teresa Morais, Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Equality, Portugal
Presentation of EIGE's report "Estimation of girls at risk of FGM in the EU (.pdf), Jurgita Peciuriene, Gender Expert, EIGE
Partnership - The Inter-Sectorial work group about FGM (.pdf), Vitor Almeida, Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality, Portugal
Mission in 2013-2015 related to FGM in Sweden (.pdf), Malin Ahrne, Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden
The Swedish Government’s national mission to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation in Sweden (.pdf), Bayan Nasih, Country Administrative Board of Ostergotland, Sweden
Ireland: due diligence/state actions in relation to FGM (.pdf), Siobán O’Brien Green, National Researcher and University Lecturer, Ireland
Role of communities in FGM prevention: exchange of good practices Portugal (.pdf), Carla Martingo, AJPAS, Portugal
Role of Communities in FGM prevention, exchange of good practices (.pdf), Salome Mbugua, AkiDwA, Ireland