EIGE report: Female Genital Mutilation in the European Union

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

Share this article

Related posts

Equally Ours
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read our full privacy and cookie policy here.