2025 Intergenerational Ambassadors Meeting: connecting voices and sharing knowledge

On 11-12 October, the Intergenerational meeting took place in Brussels, at the End FGM EU’s premises for an inspiring two-day meeting of connection, learning, and shared purpose.

Our Ambassadors, both youth and senior gathered to strengthen their advocacy skills, deepen their knowledge, and co-create strategies to advance the movement to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in Europe.

Building Community and Shared Purpose

Day 1 was opened with words of welcome, followed by activities to encourage connection and collaboration. During the first part of the morning, Ambassadors explored their expectations for the weekend and their role and responsibilities as End FGM EU Ambassadors. 

Strengthening Knowledge and Advocacy Power

The first workshop was led by the Ambassadors themselves, where they shared their experiences and knowledge on the topic of FGM and protecting girls and survivors though a holistic and comprehensive approach.

• The first contribution was on “The Islamic Perspective on FGM”, led by the Youth Ambassador Fatima Amina Rafael, where she focused on debunking myths and exploring how faith can support the rights and healing of women and girls.

• The second contribution was on “Healing and Hope”, a session on holistic care for survivors of FGM led by Hellen Namuli, Senior Ambassador.

The second workshop was led the Policy & Advocacy team Xheni Dani and Nejma Sayeh, the ambassadors learned how the EU institutions function, how decisions are made, how to influence policies and why is important to engage with institutions to drive change.

In the afternoon, Ambassadors discussed the importance of countering the instrumentalisation of FGM and Gender Based Violence (GBV) as narratives around migration, religion, FGM and GBV are often misused in political discourse to feeding feelings of hatred and accentuate the difference between “us” and “them”. In this framework, the ambassadors co-developed strategies to respond with evidence-based, rights-focused advocacy grounded in solidarity and intersectionality. 

The session also featured the contribution of the Youth Ambassador Saarrah Ray on “The legal and Ethical Implications of Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS)”. The topic sparked active discussions on the main definition between FGM and FGCS, its implications and whether there is a legal double standard in permitting FGCS whilst criminalising FGM.

Communications & Storytelling: Voices to drive impact

Day 2 focused on communications, led by the Communication Team, Victor Verdier and Dea Nicoletta Continolo. Ambassadors explored:

• How to craft impactful messages and speak about FGM with sensitivity and strength.

• Storytelling as a tool for empathy and systemic change.

• Digital communication, social media advocacy, and co-creation of powerful content to strengthen the movement.

• Developing short “elevator pitches” to engage decision-makers, media, and community leaders in the most impactful way.
  

The session was further heightened by the contribution of the Senior Ambassador, Istahil Abdulahi on storytelling around FGM.

Together, they explored how different generations in the movement can inspire and empower each other.

Looking Ahead

As the two days came to an end, Ambassadors reflected on their learning, shared commitments, and next steps for action in their communities and at the European level. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, motivation, and renewed purpose.

The Intergenerational meeting with the Senior and Youth Ambassadors is a concrete confirmation of the power that intergenerational leadership hold in the fight to end FGM, a movement driven by knowledge, connection, and the unwavering belief that change is possible when voices unite.