End FGM EU Newsletter Special Edition: European Week of Action for Girls

What is European Week of Action for Girls?

This year, End FGM EU teamed up with the European Week of Action for Girls (EWAG) - a week-long programme of events and activities, based around the International Day of the Girl Child, on the 11th of October. Now in its sixth year EWAG asks the EU to better protect and champion the rights of girls, particularly through its external action. Organised by a coalition of civil society organisations, and supported by the European Institutions and UN Agencies, the 2018 European Week of Action for Girls took place from 8 – 12 October.

View pictures of the week in action here.



Youth Advocacy with EU Decision Makers	Youth Ambassadors raising FGM with UN leaders	End FGM EU Members & Ambassador Present on Youth Engagement

Two End FGM EU Youth Ambassadors, together with around 30 other girls and young women coming to Brussels from all over the world, had several meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and officers in the European Commission, to ensure that all EU action for girls rights.	In the spirit of EWAG, Youth Ambassador Samera Ali accompanied End FGM Director, Fiona Coyle, to a meeting set up between civil society actors and UN Women's Deputy Asa Regner.	On the International Day of the Girl Child, October 11, both our members from AIDOS and End FGM EU Ambassador, Fatima Awil gave presentations at the DG DEVCO infopoint on 'Youth Engagement to end FGM'. See agenda here.

Read more	Read More	Watch Session Here

Highlights from our End FGM Youth Ambassadors



United Kingdom: Sameara Ali		The Netherlands: Hamdi Arif

"I had the great opportunity to attend the European week of Action for Girls in Brussels which meant getting involved in a lot of meetings and meeting many new people. I was able to speak to several MEPs regarding a range of topics from the economic empowerment of girls to ending violence against women and children. It was interesting to see the inner workings of the EU and I learnt a lot about how being an MEP or in the team of an MEP works. My highlight of the week was attending a meeting of NGOs at UN Women where action plans and problems surrounding women were discussed in great detail - it was an eye opening yet empowering experience overall!"		"I spoke about girls rights/FGM at the FEMM committee meeting. It was an extremely empowering experience not to mention an amazing opportunity to voice young peoples concerns. I have learned a lot about how the EU works. Meeting MEPs and talking to decision makers was particularly interesting as it was an opportunity to have our young voices heard. I enjoyed every bit of it and it sure was an experience that no one can take away from me. Looking forward to many more of this for in the future!"

WATCH: Highlight Video of The EWAG Advocacy Workshop

Upcoming Event: Reporting on FGM Webinar

The free online seminar is for media and communications professionals on responsible reporting on female genital mutilation. The webinar will offer a platform for those reporting on FGM to discuss, specifically, the language used in this context and how it has been influencing the movement to end FGM so far.


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