TDF Events on FGM/C

TDF regularly hosts political, public, and events for professionals on the topic of FGM/C. These events aim to raise public awareness, improve protection against FGM/C, strengthen support for those affected, and ensure that FGM/C is addressed both legally and politically in Germany and across Europe.

In November 2024, for example, TDF organized the knowledge sharing event “Together for Change – A Decade of Fighting to End Female Genital Mutilation in Europe” at the European House in Berlin. Partner organizations from the European End FGM Network came together to exchange experiences — discussing best practices in prevention and the legal situation in EU member states, among other topics.

In August 2024, TDF hosted a community event at a beer garden in Berlin. Diaspora communities from FGM/C-prevalent countries, community trainers engaged in the fight against FGM/C, and beer garden visitors came together for conversation and exchange. Around 250 participants followed the stage program and actively took part in discussions and workshops.

In May 2024, TDF presented its new “Guideline for Working with Survivors and Those at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Early and Forced Marriage in Baden-Württemberg” at a public event organized by the Central Contact Point on FGM/C in Baden-Württemberg, held in Stuttgart. The conference primarily addressed professionals in social work, policymakers, and activists engaged in the fight against FGM/C. In addition to offering practical recommendations for culturally sensitive communication and appropriate responses in high-risk situations, the guideline provides case studies and guidance for various areas such as asylum procedures, early childhood education, and schools.

At the same time, TDF’s specialists on FGM/C play an active role in shaping the professional discourse as they are frequently invited as expert speakers at external conferences, panel discussions, and workshops.

Open Letters and Network Engagement

TDF also engages in political advocacy through open letters to the German government and is an active member of various networks in Germany, including the network “Netzwerk Integra”, a coalition of 33 organizations committed to the eradication of FGM/C both nationally and internationally. TDF is also part of a working group comprised of federal and state institutions and NGOs focusing on the eradication of FGM/C.

In May 2024, TDF, together with 30 other German organizations, addressed an open letter to the German government, urging diplomatic efforts to prevent the repeal of the legal ban on FGM/C in The Gambia. Although FGM/C has been banned there since 2015, a proposed bill to legalize the practice again was approved by a majority of lawmakers in Gambia’s National Assembly in March 2024. A second letter was hand-delivered by TDF community trainer Fatou Diatta to the Gambian National Assembly and the President, urging them to reject the proposed change. With success – the legal ban on FGM/C in Gambia remains in place!