Missions & values

🎯 General objective

The objective of GAMS Belgium is to contribute to the abandonment of female genital mutilation in Belgium and worldwide.

🎯 Specific objectives

  • Preventing FGM among girls and women at risk living in Belgium by raising the awareness of those concerned and their entourage;
  • Preventing imminent or planned FGM through the management of risk situations;
  • Reduce the health, psychological and social impact of FGM by providing comprehensive care for girls and women who have undergone FGM and their families (individually or in groups);
  • Train professionals to identify and support the people concerned and encourage consultation and intersectoral action (networking);
  • Ensure advocacy and sharing of expertise on FGM and the community approach at national, European and international level;
  • Supporting programmes to abandon FGM at a European and international level.

🧡 Values

Our values are based on the principles:

  • Human rights
  • Equality between women and men
  • Lasting development
  • Reproduction and sexual rights

🧡 Approach

We are trying to put in to practice for the public but also for our employees and volunteers:

  • Listening
  • Respect
  • Participation
  • Emancipation
  • Empowerment
We consider female genital mutilation as a form of gender based violence

Definition of gender based violence

Gender based violence are violences perpetrated against a person based on her sex and rooted in the role expectations associated with each gender. This violence can result in heavy consequences for the victims, touching all fields (personal, professional, etc)

Female genital mutilation and forced marriage are also gender-based violence, with the aim to have control both physically and mentally. Violence of this nature can have serious consequences throughout the life of the victims.