Description
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a crime in Portugal, exclusively committed against children and youth. While this project does not intend to pass judgement on the culture of the minorities where FGM is practiced in Portugal, the aim is to reduce this practice and to provide psychological and social support to victims and their families. It will also reduce the isolation of these communities and promote tolerance and intercultural understanding. Building upon actions intended to break from the isolation and social exclusion experienced in these communities, the project will provide training and information on the physical, sexual and psychological consequences of FGM, FGM prevention, human rights and children’s rights, and sexually transmitted diseases. Besides the communities, these actions will also empower volunteers and teaching and health professionals, so that they can implement FGM detection and prevention measures. A website and counselling line will also be created.
Summary of project results
According to data from the World Health Organization, it is estimated that around 100 to 140 billion women and children worldwide have been subject to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) to date. Although this procedure comes from countries in Africa and the Middle East, Portugal is considered a risky country because it is a destination country for immigrants from these countries where this practice is perpetuated, particularly among immigrants from Guinea-Bissau. It is known that this practice is practiced in Portuguese territory or, in some cases, the relatives of the children / young people move to their countries, usually in the summer months, with the aim of subjecting girls to this practice. This practice can only be eradicated through training and awareness-raising of these communities, which still condone or justify the practice. The main achievement of the project was the signature of a declaration against FGM by 750 people from the immigrant community of Guinea-Bissau in Portugal (girls, women, excisers and ex-excisers, immigrant associations, volunteers), well above the expected outcome. To achieve this a number of activities have been developed with the crucial assistance of mediators from that community and included 81 training and information actions/sessions involving 940 people in total. 35 000 copies of several communication materials have been published and distributed during the project to call the attention or train against FGM. Psychological and social assistance has covered 183 people and 20 professionals have been trained on FGM. The NGO reports that it gained new skills in a new area of intervention (FGM) and also on project management given the demanding requirements and rules of EEA Grants. It considers that such experience and background will help the NGO getting finance from other sources.
Summary of bilateral results