Mahen

MAHEN

Mahen* is a human rights defender who was forced to undergo female genital mutilation when she was 21 years old in Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, it is taboo to talk about FGM and therefore dangerous for human rights defenders to speak against FGM.

Mahen: “The activities surrounding the practice are shrouded by secrecy, and the initiated are made to take an oath of not sharing the story to non initiates. It is said, anyone flouting this oath of secrecy will have protruded stomach and die.”

* Name has been changed to preserve identity of the human rights defender
 

WHAT CAN THE EUROPEAN UNION DO?

In its dialogues with countries where FGM is practised, the EU should raise the issue of FGM. It should call for effective implementation of laws as well as provision of adequate safety and support to human rights defenders and NGOs working to end the practice.
 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Join us in our demand to ensure FGM is raised in the EU’s political dialogues with countries where FGM is practised.

Show your support for END FGM European Campaign’s call for an inclusive EU-wide strategy to bring FGM to an end.
 

ACT NOW: Sign the petition!