Campaigns and Petitions on FGM/C

With high-profile campaigns such as “No incision into life”, “Open your Eyes,” and “STOP FGM NOW,” TDF raises awareness about FGM/C among both politicians and the general public in Germany. We believe: the more knowledge about FGM/C is spread and the more decision-makers take responsibility, the stronger the protection against FGM/C will be!

Most recently, on May 7, 2023, the Worldwide Day of Genital Autonomy, TDF initiated the social media campaign “Unfestive Cakes” on the topic of FGM/C in collaboration with the agency TBWA\Zurich.

The image of vulva-shaped cupcakes is meant to show that not all rituals are a reason to celebrate: In some places, including Sierra Leone, FGM/C is ceremoniously celebrated as part of a ritual for transitioning to adulthood. However, FGM/C is a severe human rights violation! Girls and women have a right to physical integrity and bodily autonomy!

TDF uses petitions to draw attention to women’s rights violations and campaigns for legal changes. FGM/C was a topic in several petitions, most recently in 2018/19 with the petition “U-Untersuchungen – Unbedingt Pflicht” (“U-Examinations”,– Absolutely Mandatory) as part of the campaign “Jetzt Mädchen stärken” (“Empower Girls Now”) – #esistnichtallesrosarot (“#NotEverythingIsRosy“). Among other things, this petition called for the nationwide introduction of mandatory medical check-ups (so called U-Examinations) for children and adolescents. This would help to recognize potential child endangerment, such as FGM/C, at an early stage. On October 29, 2019, the petition was handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health with 75,000 signatures.