End FGM EU Marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation with #FGMisPatriarchy Campaign Launch

On February 6th, 2024, coinciding with the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), End FGM EU hosted a significant event at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The event not only remembered this important day but also kicked off the annual campaign for 2024, called #FGMisPatriarchy.

A small team from End FGM EU, along with ambassadors Sona Fati and Imtinan Munir Abdulkarim, gathered at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. They aimed to highlight February 6th and raise awareness about FGM within the EU community. A booth was set up to engage Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and other parliamentary staff, sparking discussions on the #FGMisPatriarchy campaign and its importance.

Throughout the day, meaningful conversations took place, focusing on how FGM relates to violence against women and patriarchal structures. The theme for the 2024 campaign, #FGMisPatriarchy, emphasizes FGM as a form of gender-based violence affecting women worldwide. The slogan, "FGM anywhere is violence against women everywhere," urges individuals and decision-makers to oppose FGM and push for its elimination.

2024 holds special significance for End FGM EU as it marks the organization's 10-year anniversary. This milestone highlights progress made in fighting FGM while acknowledging ongoing challenges. With European elections approaching, discussions also revolved around the organization's election manifesto and campaign to garner support from MEPs.

The event coincided with a historic moment as a political agreement was reached on a directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. This landmark directive, the first of its kind at the EU level, criminalizes FGM and establishes minimum rights standards for survivors. The timing of this agreement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM serves as a powerful reminder of ongoing efforts to combat this harmful practice.

End FGM EU extends gratitude to all partners and allies in the European Parliament who contributed to the event's success. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to ending FGM and dismantling patriarchal structures.

For further information on End FGM EU and the #FGMisPatriarchy campaign, please visit https://www.endfgm.eu/what-we-do/campaigns-end-fgm...