Empowering youth for change: Wrapping Up an Inspiring European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG) 2025

From 13 to 16 October, End FGM EU had the honour of co-organising, alongside Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW), European Parliamentary Forum (EPF), Planned Parenthood Federation – European Network (IPPF EN), and Plan International EU, the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG). Youth delegates from around the world gathered in Brussels to champion girls’ rights and engage directly with EU decision-makers.

Seven committed young advocates from Europe and around the world came together to make their voices heard on girls’ rights, health, and the importance of investing in youth leadership within their communities. Among them were Agusta Mapunda and Frederick Ladius from Tanzania, Joel Omiyo from Kenya, Louli Evangelista from France and Nafisabonu Urinkhojaeva from Tajikistan. End FGM EU was represented by two of our youth ambassadors, Fátima Amina from Portugal and Samsam Hassan from Belgium.

Throughout the week, the passionate advocates joined forces to learn, connect, and advocate for a future where every girl can thrive. Guided by this year’s campaign theme, #InvestInGirls, participants explored how to drive meaningful change at both community and EU levels. 

It began with our first in-person Capacity Building Session at the IPPF EN offices, where advocates explored the 2025 EWAG campaign and its focus on investing in girls’ rights and leadership. Gian Marco Grindatto from DSW further strengthened the youth advocates’ understanding of the European Institutions and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Afterwards, they joined an engaging workshop on using social media for impact and highlighting youth leadership to foster stronger partnerships, led by Dina Chearani from YIELD Hub. 

Our second day focused on practice and preparation with interventions from Nejma Sayeh from End FGM EU and Nitya George from DSW. Advocates crafted their messages, strengthened their advocacy skills, and prepared for their first major engagement with EU policymakers: the Investing in Girls’ Rights event at the European Parliament. 

Hosted by MEPs Marit Maij (S&D, Netherlands) and Abir Al Sahlani (Renew Europe, Sweden), the event featured insights from Chiara Adamo (DG INTPA). Discussions centred on how the EU’s long-term budget and external action can advance girls’ rights, and how youth participation can shape inclusive, sustainable policies. The energy, commitment, and ideas shared by young advocates reminded everyone that investing in girls means investing in the future and leadership. 

On Wednesday, two youth advocates had the incredible opportunity to spend the day with European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, following her daily work and discussing how the EU can strengthen support for grassroots organisations and uphold girls’ rights worldwide. Afterward, participants joined the CODEV meeting hosted by the Swedish Permanent Representation, engaging in speed meetings with COHOM and CODEV-PI delegates, a dynamic way to voice youth priorities directly to EU representatives.

The week concluded with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony at the End FGM European Network office. Together, we reflected on lessons learned, shared experiences, and celebrated achievements. Certificates were handed out and, most importantly, commitments were renewed to continue amplifying girls’ voices beyond EWAG. 

More days of events, the European Week of Action for Girls is a concrete way to strengthen the power of youth advocacy and collaboration, and the shared belief that when we #InvestInGirls, we invest in a more equal, just, and empowered future for all. Thank you to all the incredible youth advocates, facilitators, and partners who made this week impactful and stay tuned for next year!