Mapping study on female genital mutilation in Europe on its way
[EIGE, Vilnius, 06 February 2012] Female genital mutilation (FGM) has gained considerable attention in Europe during recent years. 180.000 women in Europe are estimated to undergo or face the danger of this harmful procedure every year. The reasons for practicing female genital mutilation (FGM) often are based a mix of cultural, social and religious factors. The European Parliament resolution of 24 March 2009 on combating FGM in the EU clearly states that any form of FGM “can under no circumstances be justified by respect for cultural traditions of various kinds or initiation ceremonies”.
At present reliable and comparable data to present the scope of the problem is both scarce and what exist is also insufficient. For that reason the European Institute for Gender Equality has commissioned a study to map the current situation and trends of female genital mutilation in 27 EU Member States and Croatia.
The main goal of the Study is to support and contribute to the future development of strategies for the elimination of different forms of violence against women. More specifically, this study will assess and analyse the current situation of female genital mutilation (FGM) in all 27 Member States of the European Union and Croatia focusing on:
- current policies and policy developments on FGM at EU level and at national level;
- current actors, their activities and good practices with regard to prevention of FGM, clinical care for women with FGM, protection and prosecution;
- existing data;
- gaps in data collection and recommendation how to fill the gap.
A Consortium composed by the Ghent University – ICRH and E.A.D.C. (Yellow Window Management Consultants) have been commissioned to carry out the study.
