6 February : International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), GAMS Be fully mobilised on 5, 6 and 7 February to make one clear message heard: FGM must end. Over several days, our events brought together an engaged audience, experts, political representatives and activists around a shared goal: to inform, raise awareness and strengthen the fight against FGM.
Relive in images these days of mobilisation and collective commitment.
Conference at the Flemish Parliament – 5 February
On 5 February, the Flemish Parliament hosted a conference on the prevention of FGM in Belgium. The room was full. Experts, policy makers and concerned individuals gathered to discuss the challenges and the need for stronger collaboration.
On this occasion, Jente Konings, legal expert at GAMS Be, and Mawda Abbas, Community Voices coordinator in Flanders, presented the conclusions of the roundtable and focus group on forced marriage and abandonment. Dr Sophie Agboli provided scientific insight by analysing the key turning points that foster changes in attitudes towards FGM among migrant women in Belgium.
One of the highlights of the day was the committed intervention of the Community Voices. Through a powerful speech (read here), they affirmed their determination to build a future free from FGM.
“We are not paid experts, but we are experts on this issue, because we face the reality in our communities every day.”
The event concluded with an address by Caroline Gennez, Flemish Minister for Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Culture and Equal Opportunities, who reaffirmed the commitment of the Flemish authorities to the fight against FGM.
Presentation of New Research at the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – 6 February
On 6 February, on the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, GAMS continued its mobilisation with an awareness-raising and exchange event held at the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles. The public turned out in large numbers.
The day opened with the exclusive presentation of the findings of a new qualitative study on FGM within communities originating from the Arab world as well as South and Southeast Asia living in Belgium. The research was conducted by Jihan Safar and Cyrielle Huyghe.
The programme continued with a panel discussion featuring Sarah Swaydan, coordinator of AWSA Be, Jutatip Talumassawat, specialist in domestic abuse, Marway El Rufai, member of the Community Voices, and Passie Kengne Kuetche, youth activist. The discussion, followed by a Q&A session with the audience, highlighted the importance of a collective approach and the key role played by young people and associations in the fight against FGM.
The event concluded with a minute of silence around the powerful message: “Silence speaks, excision kills,” followed by a speech by Yves Coppieters, Minister of Health, Environment, Solidarity and Social Economy.
Film screening and debate around the documentary “Puissantes” in Liège
GAMS had the pleasure of inviting the public to a film debate in Liège around the documentary “Puissantes”, directed by Héléna De Bauw and Baptiste Maryns and produced by TDM ASBL.
The documentary follows Mariama Bah, a staff member at GAMS who supports people affected by FGM. Through her work and commitment, the film highlights the strength, courage and agency of the women who work with GAMS, volunteer within the organisation or receive support from it.
In a global context where more than 230 million girls and women are affected, “Puissantes” makes visible those who are best placed to speak about the issue and who are actively working to change mindsets and bring an end to FGM.
“Imagine if simply sitting caused you pain. For millions of women, it does.”
On this occasion, orange bicycle seat covers appeared across Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels as part of the awareness campaign for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
Placed on bicycles throughout the cities, these covers carried a powerful message that was impossible to overlook. Their aim was to make the fight against FGM visible — an issue that remains too often hidden — and to confront the public with the real, lived consequences of this form of violence.
Meetings to strengthen our commitment
On Saturday 7 February, GAMS organised Community Assemblies within each of its branches to give communities a voice and collectively reflect on priorities for the years ahead.
This participatory approach aims to gather the perspectives of people concerned by GAMS, better understand their expectations, and ensure that our services continue to meet their needs. It reflects our commitment to shaping the future of the organisation together with the communities.
On this very special day, many of you responded and took part. GAMS warmly thanks all participants for their voices, expertise and commitment.
Zero tolerance does not end on 6 February, it is built every day, together.