TERRE DES FEMMES - A new intervention chain for Berlin has been released

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, about 260 professionals and stakeholders from all over Germany attended the National Launch Conference, hosted by our Member TERRE DES FEMMES.

The German organization presented an interdisciplinary intervention chain for professionals working in Berlin with women and girls at risk of being subjected to or affected by FGM and/or EFM, on the 04th of February.

During the conference, participants had the chance to learn about the development and key aspects of the brochure in the framework of the EU co-funded project CHAIN. The brochure is intended to offer interdisciplinary and coordinated guidelines for key professionals, such as teachers, social workers, employees of the German youth welfare office but also medical staff and police officers. The aim of the brochure is to ensure professionals confronted with at-risk or affected women/girls, act prudently and appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner.

At the conference, three representatives of the temporary working group on prevention and intervention in cases of FGM and EFM (created by TDF), involved in the development of the brochure, shared their expertise, and answered questions from the audience. Additionally, a representative of affected communities, involved in the project as a Community Trainer, gave meaningful insight in how to address FGM/EFM with girls and women affected or at risk, in a culturally sensitive manner. Regarding the questions, participants were especially interested in contact points for key professionals who may work/or are in contact with FGM or EFM cases. Finding cultural mediators, who can support in the process, was also a point of discussion. Both topics are reflected in the structure of the new brochure. Lastly, a lot of interests has been shown in the implementation and adaptation of the intervention chain in further federal states and regions of Germany, other than Berlin.

Do you want to learn more? Watch the conference (in German) on YouTube or read more about the EU-project CHAIN at TERRE DES FEMMES here.