Our Contribution to the 2026–2030 Gender Equality Strategy Consultation
The End FGM European Network calls on the European Commission to prioritise prevention, intersectionality, survivor-centred care and support, community engagement, training of professionals, cooperation with civil society and structural change in the new EU Gender Equality Strategy.
As we approach the closing of the current EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, we recognise and welcome the progress achieved, such as dedicated funding for gender equality and ending gender-based violence (GBV) in the Citizens Equality Rights and Values programme, the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and the adoption of the Directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. We acknowledge in particular the increased recognition and prioritisation of the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM), as a form of GBV.
However, the reality across the EU shows that gender inequality and GBV persist and, in some cases, are deepening. EU monitoring institutions confirm that progress has been stagnating, and there have also been some regression, particularly in areas such as work-life balance, access to healthcare, and safety. As highlighted by the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the persisting high rates of GBV and systemic gendered barriers can prevent women from accessing justice, safety, and equal opportunities.
In addition, the gendered obstacles are aggravated by other forms of discrimination, targeting for example racialised women who also come from FGM-affected communities. Moreover, over the past five years we have witnessed a growing backlash against civil society and against gender equality, and a worryingly well-resourced movement founded in anti-rights and hateful ideologies, which is already having devastating impacts on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Aligned with the commitments made in the Roadmap for women’s rights, we call on the EC to set forward an ambitious new Gender Equality Strategy, rooted in human-rights principles, with an intersectional and inclusive approach, able to respond to the specific challenges of our times and built to counter the backlash we’re seeing in Europe and beyond and prevent the proliferation of antirights movements and powers. The strategy must build on previous achievements and set the basis for meaningful, systemic transformation aimed at achieving real equality for all women in their diversity.