TEN YEARS OF THE END FGM EUROPEAN NETWORK: FROM REFLECTION TO COLLECTIVE RENEWAL

In 2024, the End FGM European Network celebrated its tenth anniversary. A decade of strong collective commitment to ending female genital mutilation (FGM) in Europe and beyond.

This milestone anniversary was not only a moment of celebration: it was also a time to look back with pride, to measure how far we have come, and to set the foundations for the future.

RECAP OF THE END FGM EUROPEAN NETWORK 2025 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

At the beginning of the summer, we welcomed our members, ambassadors, and friends of the Network to Brussels for our annual General Assembly: a time to come together, reflect, and exchange views.

Votes happened to welcome a new board and new members of the Network! We also introduced the new Youth and Senior Ambassadors 2025-2027.

THE END FGM EUROPEAN NETWORK IS NOW ON TIKTOK

We’ve joined the platform to share our message with a wider community! 

While it has a reputation for shallow content and privacy concerns, it is also a powerful way to connect with younger audiences full of creativity, activism, and energy.

DISCUSSING THE FUTURE OF THE EU BUDGET

On the 16th of July, the European Commission published its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) setting the priorities and overall budget for the period running from 2028 to 2034. Together with other like-minded civil-society organisations, we reacted jointly, welcoming the renewal of the citizens, equality, rights and values strand under the new AgoraEU programme with a total budget of EUR 3.593 billion representing more than a doubling of the current programme. 

Earlier this year, the Network shared recommendations for the next MFF as part of the open consultation organised by the European Commission, asking to prioritise funding for gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights and ending gender-based violence. We also highlight the need to ensure support for civil society and for coherent high-standards for internal and external policies and funding. We will continue to monitor the conversation around the budget to ensure that fundamental rights, gender equality, ending gender-based violence and protecting civic space remain top priorities. The Network will keep advocating for a budget that will enable civil society organisations to do their vital work and contribute to shaping policies that affects us all, within and beyond the EU.

PRESS RELEASE: CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEPS REJECT FAR-RIGHT MANIPULATION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS

On Tuesday 9 September the End FGM European Network issued a statement, supported by other civil society organisations, to ring the alarm about a “debate” set to be held in plenary at the European Parliament in Strasbourg the day after:  ''After 10 years, time to end mass migration now - protect our women and children''.

Despite many efforts by civil society and political groups to oppose the debate and its title in particular, the debate took place as foreseen. In line with the warnings of the statement, the event was characterised by racist slurs and harmful rhetorics rooted in othering and misogyny. At the same time, we were relieved to see that some members of Parliament stood firm in safeguarding our democracy, serving as a strong barrier against far-right and extreme-right rhetoric.

NEW RESOURCE: GUIDE TO MEASURE THE SOCIAL IMPACT 
OF WORK TO END FGM IN EUROPE

End FGM EU is excited to share a new resource on female genital mutilation: the Methodology Guide and Indicators Reference Framework. Developed by GAMS Belgium with the support of the CHANEL Foundation and in collaboration with Network members. 

This practical guide is designed for organisations across Europe working to end FGM. It provides a common framework to measure, understand and strengthen the social impact of programmes in prevention, protection, support, training, and advocacy.

On the 21st of July jointly with our partners from the Global Platform we published a letter strongly denouncing the introduction of a new bill amending the law prohibiting FGM in the U.S to include gender-affirming care for anyone under the age of 18. 

This dangerous instrumentalisation of FGM risks undermining protections by weakening its legal clarity and participates in further stigmatising trans and gender-diverse people.

In July this year, Denmark started its new Presidency of the Council for the next 6 months. As usual, we wrote a letter to welcome the new Presidency with key recommendations to ensure Denmark upholds the Union’s role in ending GBV and ensuring equality for all. 

We welcomed Denmark’s commitment to rights and dignity but stresses gaps on GBV, healthcare, intersectionality, and support for women affected by FGM.

WELCOMING THE NEW UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON 
THE CONTRIBUTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO PREVENT FGM

During its 59th session, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution calling for the acceleration of efforts to end FGM globally. The focus of the resolution is on the transformative power of digital tools and calls for the development and investment in innovation while acknowledging the danger medicalisation and cross-border FGM represents. In an effort led by the Permanent Mission of Burkina Faso, the Network was consulted during the preparatory phase, we also had the opportunity together with other partners to share our proposed amendments and recommendations. 

As part of the process, our new young ambassador Riham Ibrahim and former co-president Rukio Omer both participated in a closed-door retreat organised by the Permanent Missions of the African Group to share their views, experience and expertise on the topic.

On 4 June, Director Marianne Nguena Kana represented the Network in an exchange of views on FGM at the European Parliament organised jointly by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.

She highlighted the role of civil society, the global movement to end FGM, and key challenges such as backlash against sexual and reproductive rights and the €2.1B funding gap.

This presentation was then followed by an interesting and fruitful exchange between the members of the European Parliament present that day and experts in the room.

Over the past few months, the Policy and Advocacy team has been busy following the work of the European Parliament in particular regarding new policies and negotiations. 


We engaged with rapporteurs and members of the European Parliament to share our recommendations and propose amendments to the report on the new strategy for people with disability, report on humanitarian aid in time of polycrisis and on gender equality to ensure ending FGM and preventing all forms of gender-based violence are at the heart of these future policies. 

END FGM EU KEEPS CONTRIBUTING TO SHAPING NEW EU POLICIES

Over the past three months the Network had the opportunity to share feedback and recommendations on key upcoming strategies: Anti-racism strategy, the LGBTIQ strategy the new Gender Equality strategy and the Civil Society strategy. For the latter, we participated in a day-long in person consultation organised by the European Commission, Director Marianne Nguena Kana and Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Xheni Dani had the opportunity to share our reflections on the current strategy and expectations for the next one.

In early August a one-month-old baby girl in The Gambia died as a result of female genital mutilation. Deeply outraged and saddened by this event, we reacted jointly with partners from the Global Platform for action to End FGM/C.  We condemn the failure of the system in preventing and ending FGM. 

We jointly call on The Gambia, the European Union and other global actors to take immediate and urgent measures to put a definitive end to FGM. We extend our deepest condolences to the grieving family and impacted community members.  

The End FGM European Network is proud to launch the Understanding Community Voices in Europe project, shedding a light on the vital work of community-based organisations and activists across Europe!

Six committed activists from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK shared their journeys with us: the challenges they face, the obstacles they overcome, and the impact they create every day. From breaking taboos in their communities to calling for better healthcare, education and support, their stories show the impact they have in their communities.

SAFE KICK OFF MEETING IN ROME 

On the 10th and 11th of June all members of the consortium of the SAFE Project gathered in Rome, Italy for the Kick-off meeting of the programme. 

SAFE builds on the knowledge and achievements of previous EU-funded initiatives, including CHANGE, CHANGE Plus, Let’s CHANGE (2013–2020), CHAIN (2020–2022), and Join Our CHAIN (2023–2025). Continuing this work, the project focuses on preventing and eliminating FGM and early and forced marriage (EFM) in affected communities across six EU member states. Its community-based and gender-sensitive approach empowers communities, trains key professionals, raises awareness, and strengthens capacity to end these harmful practices.

SAFE started in April 2025 and will  last for a period of 2.5 years, until September 2027. It gathers our partners TERRE DES FEMMES, (as coordinators) AkiDwa, ActionAid Italy, Save a Girl Save a Generation, and Equipop, forming a diverse international consortium covering France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Belgium.  

Over the two days in Rome, we engaged in valuable discussions, shared key planning, and reinforced our collaboration toward a common goal: ensuring that women and girls are protected from FGM and EFM.

After more than 2 years of fruitful collaboration, the End FGM E-Campus Project is officially coming to a close. Together with our partners MIGS (Cyprus), GAMS (Belgium), AIDOS (Italy), CUT (Cyprus), and APF (Portugal), we’ve worked to create a lasting, accessible resource for professionals working to end female genital mutilation. 

We thank everyone who contributed to this important project and look forward to seeing its lasting impact as we continue the shared effort of promoting the the e-learning platform, while finding ways of expand it both at the EU and national level.

As part of our European Solidarity Corps funding, we have welcomed a new Volunteer into the secretariat in Brussels in August. 

Dimitris Ermeidis has joined the projects department and is supporting the implementation of programmes a as well as Mapping Communities Working Against FGM on the Community Voices Project. 

The European Solidarity Corps grants allow organisations to welcome volunteers to their secretariats for up to a year.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION RECOGNISED 
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE OSCE PA ANNUAL DECLARATION

We participated in a civil society consultation organised by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on the topic of Sexual and reproductive rights, ahead of the annual meeting of the assembly. We made the case for the outcome document to recognise female genital mutilation as an issue within the countries of OSCE, as a form of gender-based violence deserving particular attention in the provision of SRHR. 

We are very happy to see that Special Representative on Gender Issue, Canadian MP Dr Hedy FRY included a mention of FGM in the resolution, which is part of the final document – the Porto Declaration (p.86 paragraph 10). We look forward to enhancing our cooperation within this assembly and support parliamentarians' increased awareness and action on the issue.

Last quarter of the year is often the busiest for the Policy and Advocacy team, indeed, while decision makers will have their eyes on the MFF and the upcoming new strategies we will ensure preventing FGM and GBV are high priorities. During the next few months, we will focus our efforts on the preparation and publication of our civil society report for GREVIO to monitor the Union’s implementation of the Istanbul Convention. The next three months will also be punctuated with multiple events. Mark your calendars!

From the 13th to the 16th of October our youth ambassadors Samsam and Fatima will be joining us in Brussels for the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG) to gather with other youth advocates from across the world and engage with decision-makers on funding for girls’ rights in the Union’s external cooperation.

On the 14th of October, alongside our partners from the Global Platform we are organising a side event during the next World Health Summit in Berlin. Marianne will represent the Network and discuss latest developments and trends regarding FGM and the health sector including medicalisation.

At the end of October, the donors working group for FGM elimination will meet in Pretoria, South Africa. We will ensure that our inputs as expert regional and global actors in the elimination of FGM feed the discussion.

EUAA Vulnerability Experts Network Annual Conference will take place on 20–21 November 2025. We will participate to keep advocating for FGM/GBV Survivors in the asylum and migration system are adequately treated and supported.

Your support is crucial in help us ending Female Genital Mutilation in Europe and beyond. Every donation, big or small, enables us to drive policy and advocacy efforts, support survivors, and empower member organisations to collaborate in eliminating FGM. Together, we can create a world free from FGM. Donate now and make a lasting impact.

NEW PROJECT ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS AFFECTED BY FGM/C IN GERMANY

Lessan has launched a new project with the German Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth to support the mental health of young women and girls affected by FGM/C. The project centers on creative workshops led by community organisers and experts across Germany, using music, dance, poetry, mindfulness, and other artistic methods to foster healing and empowerment.

From September 5–7, Lessan hosted the official kick-off meeting in Hamburg, bringing together organisers and experts for exchange, training, and artistic practice. The meeting marked an inspiring start to the project, which will now be carried forward in communities across the country.

Lessan is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the integration and cultural exchange between young people with an immigration background.

CENTRE DIOTIMA AND UNHCR GREECE: ADDRESSING GBV IN REFUGEE POPULATIONS

From 2017 to June 2025, UNHCR Greece and Centre Diotima implemented the project “GBV: Prevention, Risk Mitigation and Response” for refugee populations aged 16 and above. Services included case management, psychosocial support, legal counselling, legal aid, GBV prevention initiatives, and emergency access to safe spaces. 

Through a feminist, inclusive, and intersectional approach, the project provided safe spaces where survivors could share experiences of violence, most commonly physical abuse, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. A small number also disclosed having undergone FGM, though the organisation notes the true prevalence may be higher due to barriers such as fear of stigma, trauma, or cultural perceptions. 

Founded in 1989, Centre Diotima is a women’s non-profit specialised in gender equality and the empowerment of women. Its holistic approach to GBV prevention and response continues to guide its work today.

TERRE DES FEMMES’ SAFE KICK-OFF MEETING COMMUNITY EXPERTS AND LEADERS HELD IN BERLIN

On 27 July 2025, the kick-off meeting of the EU-cofinanced SAFE project took place in Berlin. The purpose was to present the project’s content and objectives, exchange methods and ideas, and, above all, allow participants to meet each other in person for the first time. The gathering proved highly productive and successful, marked by a warm and collaborative atmosphere.

The meeting was organised by the TERRE DES FEMMES project team — Petra Kappler, Mina König, and Sophie Cemrek — and attended by Community Leader Clément Drabo along with Community Experts Saba Hussein, Fatia Noor, Tiranke Diallo, Isatou Barry, Sanaa Al Nomeiry, and Bilkisu Conteh. In the afternoon, End FGM EU Ambassador Evariste Kapnang Tchaptchet, who had also participated in the previous project Join Our Chain, joined the kick-off session.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF SPAIN JOINS THE CALL TO END FGM

On 10 September, Save a Girl Save a Generation co-organised the Women, Sport, and Society forum in Madrid with Challenge+40 Basket, ahead of the fundraising weekend in Torrelodones. The event used sport as a bridge to open conversations on gender equality. Director Asha Ismail shared her story, stressing the urgency of keeping FGM on the public agenda. Journalist Rubén Amón later joined to discuss the invisibility and inequality women continue to face in sport and society. 

Her Majesty the Queen of Spain attended, showing strong commitment to ending FGM. Save a Girl presented her with Rompedoras, the organisation’s illustrated story, now available in several languages and being translated into Somali and Swahili. This exchange was both a privilege and a vital sign of support as women’s rights movements face new challenges.

Updates from the secretariat:

After serving several months as Interim Director, Marianne Nguena Kana has now officially stepped into the role of Director. 

For the past 10 years, she has dedicated herself to issues of young women's leadership, gender equality, and gender-based violence, particularly FGM.

We are excited to benefit from her emancipatory, decolonial, and community-based feminist approaches.