GAMS BELGIUM
Our mission
Founded in 1996 by Khadidiatou Diallo, GAMS Belgium (Group for the Abolition of Female Sexual Mutilation) fights for the abolition of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Belgium and around the world. The GAMS team collaborates with affected communities and engages in prevention, support, professional training, and advocacy efforts.
Our objectives
Prevent FGM among at-risk girls and women living in Belgium through awareness-raising among affected individuals and their communities
Prevent imminent FGM or FGM plans through managing at-risk situations.
Reduce the health, psychological, and social impact of FGM through comprehensive care for girls and women who have undergone FGM and their families (individually or in groups)
Train professionals to identify and support affected individuals and promote intersectoral collaboration and action (networking)
Advocate for and share expertise on FGM and the community-based approach at national, European, and international levels
Support FGM abandonment programs at the European and international levels
Our approaches
- Train professionals on the complexity of FGM-related issues to enhance understanding and appropriate care for affected individuals
- Provide every affected woman with multidisciplinary individualized support based on her needs
- Promote health (including reproductive and sexual rights)
- Engage and empower communities affected by FGM
- Promote an intersectional and decolonial approach to combating FGM
- Challenge misconceptions surrounding FGM
- Advocate for the rights of affected individuals regardless of their administrative status
- Build bridges through synergies and networks at both national and international levels
Our values
- Reproductive and sexual rights
- Intersectionality
- Sustainable development
- Defense and respect for human rights, including those of girls and women
- Gender equality
- Solidarity and sharing of North-South/South-North approaches