Frances Fitzgerald, MEP for Dublin, has called for a more serious and comprehensive approach to Female Genital Mutilation from the EU. Speaking during the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg, Ms Fitzgerald noted,
“Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a form of violence against women, one that results in fundamental, lifechanging injuries. As of October 2019, UNICEF estimates that 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM in 30 countries.”
“The EU must take urgent action to counter Female Genital Mutilation, not only on this continent but across the world. There must be a global, multi-stakeholder approach to tackling this horrendous practice, involving governments, international organisations, NGOs, communities and families.”
“In Europe, we must engage our diaspora communities, not only working with communities in countries outside of the EU, but also working with diaspora communities, both Europeans abroad but also those who come to Europe from countries where FGM is still commonplace. This dual approach can foster knowledge sharing across the globe, with communities and families working together through word of mouth.”
“FGM is a crime and we must do everything in our power to stop it.”
