A European Parliament conference addressed the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice often imported from Africa and Asia. In Europe, around 600,000 women and girls, primarily from these regions, have undergone FGM, while globally the number reaches 230 million.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. During the conference, experts discussed ways to prevent this form of sexist violence. “It would be wrong to say that FGM doesn’t happen in Europe. It can occur anywhere,” said Valérie Lolomari, founder of Women of Grace UK.
Victims include women who were mutilated before migrating to Europe, those sent back to their home countries for the procedure, and those whose families bring in practitioners, or “cutters,” to perform FGM in Europe.
FGM is often tied to superstitions and religious beliefs, with many victims being minors. Italian MEP Cristina Guarda emphasized the need for awareness training for educators and healthcare workers, so they can identify signs of violence and support victims. Last year, the EU passed a directive requiring member states to criminalize FGM.
