open letter

Letter from “The Women’s Free Voice Collective”

Read the letter written and read by the Collectif ‘La Voix libre des Femmes’ to mark 6 February 2025, International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Dear Members of the European Parliament,

We turn to you on behalf of all women and girls around the world who are subjected to female genital mutilation.

Let’s not forget that excision/female genital mutilation continues to shatter lives, steal childhoods and leave deep scars. It is not just an act. It is a sexual, physical and psychological trauma that victims carry with them for the rest of their lives. Lives, often marked by pain, shame and silence.

This practice is not a choice but a violence. It is imposed on women and girls by social norms, community traditions and, very often, their own families. These same families who, instead of protecting their daughters, expose them to mortal danger.

Today, we are fighting a battle. A fight to say loud and clear: STOP Female Genital Mutilation. A fight to protect our daughters and our sisters, from this inhuman, atrocious practice. Because a girl protected today will be a free woman tomorrow.

We are asking for your support for all targeted girls and women in Belgium and Europe who are asking protection of the authorities.

Thank you for your attention, for your help and for your support.

Le Collectif La Voix Libre des Femmes

*Collective of women taking part at GAMS Belgium workshops (Group for the Abolition of Female Genital Mutilation)