In 2013 the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) published the first EU-wide study on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The report shows that to effectively combat this practice the European Union needs a more comprehensive approach, which balances protection, prevention and prosecution. Measures leading to a long-term behavior change among FGM-practicing communities are equally important.
The report presents among its recommendations a suggestion to implement legal provisions to criminalise FGM. It also points out the need for specialised services for victims of gender-based violence, including counseling and shelters. These services are currently insufficient and unequally distributed in and among the EU Member States. The report also calls for more coordination of FGM-related work among stakeholders at regional, national and international levels.
One of the recommendations is to establish a multi-agency cooperation on the protection of girls and women at risk and victims of FGM, and facilitate the exchange of good practices. A network of experts and key actors on gender-based violence – including FGM – should be established.
The report also shows that the UK is where FGM is more prevalent and that over 30,000 girls are at risk of FGM each year.
A public consultation on combating FGM in the EU ran until 30 May.
Click here for report
Click here for consultation
