Resisting pushback, demanding equality: inside EWAG 2026

From 12 to 15 October, End FGM EU had the pleasure to co-organise with Plan International EU, the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) and the Europe region of the World Association of Girl guides and girl scouts (WAGGGS), the European Week of Action for Girls.

Young delegates from Europe arrived in Brussels to advocate for girls' rights and advance gender equality by presenting their proposals to EU decision makers.

Six young passionate advocates from all Europe united to directly engage in discussions with high representatives of EU institutions with the common goal to centre girls' rights in the EU Agenda and advance gender equality. Among them, Sara Sintubin and Justine Van Geluwe from Belgium representing Plan International EU, My Forssander from Sweden and Katerina Papanastasiou from Greece on behalf of WAGGGS. For this 2026 edition, End FGM EU was represented respectively by two of our youth ambassadors, Rediat Lencho Dekebo and Esraa Newir, from Italy.

During this inspiring week, the young advocates had the chance to connect with each other and with different actors of the civil society, expand their knowledge, develop new skills and advocate for what they care about most: advancing girls' rights.

The theme of this year was #Resistingpushback #Demandingequality, young advocates learned how to safeguard and advance girls' rights at national and international level.

The week started at Mundo Matonge, in the offices of End FGM EU with the first Capacity Building Session, young advocates delved deeper into the theme of the 2026 edition. They deepened the understanding of anti-gender movements globally by receiving some insight into how these movements work, who funds them and the political and linguistical strategies they use. Youth advocates were equipped with some concrete actions they can take to prevent their rise. 

During the afternoon, they followed the session led by Nejma Sayeh, Policy and Advocacy Officer at End FGM EU that gave an overview of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and a focus on key EU policy documents including the Gender Action Plan III and the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework (EU MFF). In the evening the Youth took part in an informal networking event where they could meet, connect with professionals from different backgrounds working for EU institutions and NGOs through various creative activities.

The second day was focused on public speaking; the session was led by Timothy Vermeir and Eva Luna from Plan International Belgium. Youth advocates through a series of hands-on exercises focused on mastering the elevator pitch, refining presentation skills and on practical communication tips, strengthened their skills and prepared to engage with EU decision-makers.

Victor Verdier, Senior Communications Officer at End FGM EU led a session on Digital Advocacy, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong online presence to defend and amplify the messages that unite us and resist pushback, particularly in the face of growing threats to girls’ rights in digital spaces. The session also explored the power of video as an advocacy tool and the importance of monitoring online narratives to effectively counter pushback and strengthen advocacy efforts. 

The day concluded with the training session of Nejma Sayeh, from End FGM EU, where youth advocates prepared for the exchange with the members of the European Parliament for the flagship event of the following day: Centring girls' rights amidst the rise of global anti-rights movements in EU External Action.

Wednesday morning started with a visit to the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF). The youth advocates were welcomed by the director, Neil Datta, who provided an introduction to their work and offered a detailed overview of the state of Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Europe, as well as explaining how anti-rights movements systematically try to weaken and dismantle them.

The youth advocates followed the first event of the day at the European Parliament focused on the future of funding for women's rights in the EU Budget 2028-2034: Funding Women's Specialist Services and the Frontline Response to Violence Against Women and Girls organised by WAVE, Women against violence Europe Network and co-hosted by MEP Lina Galvez (S&D) and MEP Elena Kountoura (THE LEFT), with Neil Datta (EPF) and gender budgeting expert Dr Elisabeth Klatzer and WAVE members Federation Nationale Solidarite Femmes (France) and Frauenhauskoordinierung (Germany).

Afterward, the youth advocates participated in an official guided tour of the European Parliament.

The third day concluded with the flagship event at the European Parliament: Centring Girls’ Rights Amidst the Rise of Global Anti-rights Movements hosted by MEP Marit Maij (S&D, Netherlands) and MEP Catarina Vieira (Greens/EFA, Netherlands) did the opening remarks, the event saw the participation and the intervention of MEP Abir al Sahlani (Renew Europe, Sweden) and MEP Leire Pajin (S&D, Spain). Discussions were focused on the main trends and narratives threatening girls' rights nowadays and the online challenges girls are facing and how to keep digital spaces safe and inclusive. The exchanges during the sessions between the youth advocates and the MEPs reminded us how crucial is to maintain digital platforms a space where girls can express themselves freely without the fear of being subjected to digital violence.

The week wrapped up with the Closing Ceremony at the End FGM EU European Network office. It was a moment to reflect on what was learned, what needs to be improved and to celebrate the milestones accomplished in this last edition.

In this complex geopolitical context we are navigating, where girls' rights are at risk and gender equality is still far to be achieved, the European Week of Action for Girls guarantees every year that girls' rights continue to be included a priority in the EU Agenda and that their voices are heard by decision makers at the international level, because when we #resistpushback and #demandequality for girls we help build a world where girls can live freely, safely and on their own terms.

A heartfelt thank you to all our six youth advocates, facilitators, MEPs and partners who contributed to making this week successful. See you next year!