Free from Fear, Free from Pain: Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation in Europe

According to European Parliament estimates, 500,000 girls and women living in the EU have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), while a further 180,000 are at risk every year.
On an international level, FGM is recognised as a violation of human rights and as a form of child abuse, as defined by the United Nations. Fighting gender-based violence and violence against children are core values of the EU.
On the 1st of August 2014, the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe entered into force. It is the first treaty to recognise and address FGM in Europe and to require states to offer protection, support and prevention measures when women and girls at risk are in need.

This timely symposium provides an invaluable opportunity to gain an understanding of the current EU legal framework and what more needs to be done to eradicate FGM. The symposium will examine how a multi-sector approach can be strengthened, and will explore issues around prevention, the importance of specialist services and the greater role of health and education providers in ensuring better awareness and early intervention.

For further details, please refer to the enclosed event abstract and programme. Do feel free to circulate this information to relevant colleagues within your organisation.

In the meantime, to ensure your organisation is represented, please book online or complete and return the registration form at your earliest convenience in order to secure your delegate place(s).