On the international day against female genital mutilation
For 20 years now, the international day against female genital mutilation (FGM-C) has been drawing attention to a transcultural and global problem: everyday, most brutal gender-specific human rights violations.
Berlin, February 03.02.2023, 01. The Istanbul Convention, the most important human rights treaty in the fight against violence against women, celebrated its fifth anniversary on February 2023st, XNUMX. Less than a week later, we remind you again that FGM-C is also a gender-based violation of human rights.
FGM-C, also known as female genital mutilation, is a gender-specific human rights violation that reflects deep-rooted, global gender inequality and brutally violates the right of women and girls to self-determination. According to estimates by the WHO, more than 200 million women and girls worldwide are affected by FGM-C and more women and girls are being mutilated again worldwide - estimates assume around 8000 times a day, unreported figures assume higher numbers. This serious number shows us how important it is to continue to act actively, sensitively and in solidarity against this practice.
On the international day against female genital mutilation, we once again appeal to the federal government to take more active and consistent action against FGM-C. Even if FGM-C has been a criminal offense in Germany since 2013 (§226a StGB), it is still practiced. In addition, FGM-C is also a legally recognized reason for fleeing, but there are clear deficiencies in the German asylum procedure, so that FGM-C alone hardly leads to asylum recognition. According to the report of the Council of Europe's control committee GREVIO in 2022 and the alternative report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention from 2021, only four cases of FGM-C were mentioned in the German persecution statistics, two of them were stopped and fines were imposed in two cases. According to estimates, there are around 75.000 people affected in Germany alone, and more than 20.000 girls are considered at risk. The legal procedure is obviously not even a drop in the bucket - also considering the fact that Articles 38 & 42 of the Istanbul Convention (to which Germany has committed itself) unequivocally the obligation to prevent and condemn FGM-C as well as the protection of those threatened and affected.
“Female genital cutting is often associated with African countries – but the practice cannot be localized by country borders, stigmatized by religious affiliation, or externalized by racial and colonial attributions. On the contrary, precisely those prejudices lead to the stigmatization of affected women, girls and their communities. Solidarity here means always focusing on the voice of those affected and fighting to ensure that their concerns are heard!” says Lourdes Martínez, chairwoman and spokeswoman of the board of DaMigra eV
Today we appeal for an intercultural opening and sensitization of the authorities, institutions and the health system, the establishment of a nationwide counseling system, for more educational work and for the mandatory presence of trained and culturally sensitive interpreters in hospitals and other medical facilities. For this purpose, protected spaces must be created, which facilitate support and training of multipliers within the communities and enable participation on an equal footing. In order to continue fighting for all women's rights to self-determination and their human right to a life free of violence, these demands must be implemented.
FGM-C and protection against violence are highly relevant topics for DaMigra. Our detailed statement on FGM-C from 2021 here.
DaMigra eV represents the interests of women migrant organizations and their concerns and advocates equal opportunities, equal participation and the equality of women with a history of migration and refugee experience in Germany. DaMigra follows the approach of anti-racist feminism.
Reports
WOMEN RAIS.ED
Umbrella organization
Racism and sexist discrimination must be fought EVERY DAY across society
Berlin, March 20.03.2024, 21. On March XNUMXst, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, there are numerous projects, events and offers on the topic of racism. Politicians and…
Brave together
Migrant womenMarch 2023
About the courage to carry on – a film by DaMigra eV
On March 13.03.2023, XNUMX, we will present a documentary short film in the context of our Germany-wide campaign “Migrant Women March”. Two women with a refugee or migration history share their personal stories by...
Umbrella organization
On International Women's Day: Fighting feminist means fighting together against the shift to the right!
Berlin, March 07.03.2024, XNUMX. The state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony are getting closer and closer and the shift to the right is unmistakable. The social issues and injustices that the AfD...
Dates
Brave together
DaMigra Dusseldorf, 17 April 2024
Financial concerns of migrants
We warmly invite you to our next event! Together with Saloua Mohammed (social worker and social educator) we will...
MyTurn
Erfurt, 18 April 2024
Information event: “Understanding labor law: My rights as an employee”
Dear women, dear interested parties, DaMigra eV cordially invites you to the information event “Understanding labor law: My rights...