EU Combats Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Through Awareness, Education, and International Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has acknowledged the critical need to combat all forms of gender-based violence, particularly Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), both within the EU and in external relations. FGM is a human rights issue that affects millions of women worldwide, with estimates suggesting up to 125 million victims globally and 500,000 in the EU. Despite its severity, awareness about FGM remains limited, with a lack of data making it challenging to accurately estimate the scale of the phenomenon.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission is working with the European Institute for Gender Equality to develop a common methodology for estimating the risk of FGM in all EU Member States.
  • A prevalence study is being conducted by Ghent University to develop a common definition and methodology for measuring FGM prevalence.
  • The Commission is funding awareness-raising campaigns and projects to prevent FGM, including a web-based platform for professionals working with girls at risk and victims.
  • The EU has taken a multi-faceted approach to combat FGM, including awareness-raising, training for healthcare professionals, and transnational projects to prevent and combat violence against women.
  • The Victims Directive has been adopted, and its implementation is crucial for victims of FGM, ensuring their protection and access to well-functioning specialized support services.
  • The European Commission is analyzing the implementation of the recast Asylum Procedures Directive and the Reception Conditions Directive, which provide specific protection measures for child victims of FGM.
  • The EU supports the development of an online training platform for immigration and asylum officials on gender-specific issues related to asylum and the application of EU law.
  • The EU has pledged €100 million for the next 7 years to gender equality and children's wellbeing through the EU Global Public Goods and Challenges program.
  • The Union is actively participating in international cooperation to promote the elimination of FGM.

Statistics:

  • Up to 125 million women worldwide are estimated to be victims of FGM.
  • 500,000 women in the EU are estimated to be victims of FGM.
  • The EU has pledged €100 million for the next 7 years to gender equality and children's wellbeing.
  • The Union has supported 15 projects in 10 non-EU countries, totaling approximately €7 million, to address FGM.

Sources:

1\. The European Commission's news release

2\. The European Institute for Gender Equality

3\. Ghent University

4\. The Victims Directive

5\. The recast Asylum Procedures Directive and the Reception Conditions Directive