January 2023/December 2024 – HUMAN RIGHTS/VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN/TRAINING
WHERE
Europe (Belgium, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal)
PARTNERS
The project is coordinated by MIGS (Cyprus) and implemented in partnership with AIDOS (Italy), APF (Portugal), CUT (Cyprus), End FGM European Network (Belgium), GAMS (Belgium)
BACKGROUND
Female genital mutilation (FGM) entails all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-therapeutic/non-medical reasons (WHO). FGM is a human rights violation and a form of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and gender-based violence (GBV). It is a root cause and a consequence of the unequal power relations between men and women and harmful societal norms. FGM has long-term detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of affected women and girls, as well as their communities and families who also face multiple intersecting systemic inequalities on the axes of class, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and disability.
Europe is home to an estimated 600,000 women and girls living with the lifelong consequences of FGM. Multiple EIGE studies assessing the situation and trends of FGM and estimating the prevalence of women and girls at risk in Europe has shown that challenges persist in achieving adequate support services and integrated policies on FGM at both the national and European level. Crucially, it has been consistently pointed out that there is a need for a more systematic and coherent approach to training of relevant professionals in Europe and the need for gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate services.
GOAL
The project aims to contribute to preventing and responding to FGM though the capacity building of professionals and victim/survivor-centred access to justice, by providing high quality, comprehensive, holistic and interdisciplinary theoretical and practical knowledge to professionals dealing with FGM-affected individuals and communities.
Specific objectives
- Increase the capacity of frontline professionals to provide survivors and those at risk of FGM with gender-specific and culturally appropriate support through the development of an online e-learning portal on FGM providing up-to-date information and training.
- Provide country-specific knowledge and information on FGM to raise awareness and provide relevant, up to date information on legislation and policies, prevalence, survivor support services, good practices, and resources, in synergy with the End FGM EU Interactive Map.
- Contribute to the systematic training of professionals on FGM through the EU-wide promotion of the END FGM E-CAMPUS and advocate for its integration in initial and in-service training (as per Article 15 of the IC).
- Facilitate dialogue and knowledge-exchange among relevant stakeholders, including affected communities and policy makers, to promote the adoption of integrated policies and services for survivors of FGM and women and girls at risk.
- Contribute to the systematic access to multidisciplinary training for professionals on FGM and up to date information to access services for FGM survivors through the development and adoption of a sustainability path for the END FGM E-CAMPUS.
AIDOS ACTIVITIES
AIDOS will coordinate and contribute to the development of the e-learning modules, be responsible for their Italian version, develop the Italian country factsheet, participate in awareness, communication and dissemination activities.
WHEN
January 2023/December 2024
COST OF THE PROJECT
717.847,19 Euro
WHO IS FINANCING THE PROJECT
European Union, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, CERV Programme (90%)