Project

Join our CHAIN

to Prevent and Tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early and Forced Marriage (EFM) in the European Union

Violence against migrant women
Women’s Rights

Stakeholders

Public authorities, Law enforcement agencies, Social workers, Health professionals, Teachers

Objective of the project

We want to tackle Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early and forced marriage (EFM) committed against women and girls through continuous community empowerment, trainings, capacity building of key professionals as well as sensitisation of relevant stakeholders – all promoting a community-based and gender-sensitive approach.

Abstract of the project

The project aims at strengthening the prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early and Forced Marriage (EFM) through awareness-raising and behaviour change, providing protection and support for survivors and those at risk of FGM and EFM through competent and culturally-sensitive services and by giving voice to community concerns and needs at the political level.

Context analysis

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early and Forced Marriage (EFM) are serious human rights violations committed against girls and women. FGM and EFM represent serious forms of gender-based violence that foster gender inequality, control and restrict female sexuality, and violate the sexual and reproductive rights of girls and women. These practices mostly affect girl children. FGM is usually practiced on girls between 0 and 15 years. EFM mostly affects teenage girls. Both practices are deeply rooted in local cultures and traditions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Despite the limited availability of data at the European level, it is estimated that there are over 600.000 women and girls affected by FGM and tens of thousands who are at risk of EFM, in particular where there are considerable diaspora and migrant communities.

Germany

Ireland

Belgium

Milano, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

Rome, Italy

The project is implemented in 4 EU Member States (Germany, Ireland, Italy, Belgium). In Italy, the main areas of implementation are the cities of Milan and Rome.

Implementation Period

01/03/2023 - 28/02/2025

Beneficiaries

Direct

  • 24 Community Trainers trained on FGM/EFM
  • 576 key professionals from the public and private sectors trained on harmful practices and possible actions for prevention and response
  • 48 community leaders (religious/traditional leaders, community elders) sensitized on gender-based violence and FGM/EFM
  • 1740 community members reached through empowerment activities and community events

Indirect

  • 4000 community members reached by behaviour change activities

Project Strategy

Activities

  • Trainings of Community Trainers
  • Trainings for key professionals
  • Implementation of the intervention chain model in Milan, thanks to a network of public and private stakeholders
  • Adaptation of the IC model in Rome, in collaboration with local partners and stakeholders
  • Sensitization of community leaders
  • Community empowerment activities
  • Awareness-raising campaign
  • Development of video tutorials to present the intervention chain model aimed at identifying and responding to cases of women and girls at risk or who have been affected by FGM and/or EFM
  • Advocacy meetings and international conference

Outputs

  • 3 intervention chain models developed
  • 1 European community exchange meetings
  • 1 European community network of all Community Trainers
  • 3 press conferences
  • 3 video tutorials on the intervention chain models developed
  • 3 bilateral advocacy meetings

Outcomes

  • Improved knowledge about FGM and EFM and their interconnection
  • Improved interdisciplinary cooperation and more effective support offered to women affected by FGM and EFM
  • Behaviour change of practicing community and development of social norms against FGM and EFM

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