Working groups: members collaborate for joint initiatives

The Network members come together to form working groups on specific topics or issues. These groups provide the space for members to connect, share their knowledge and collaborate on joint initiatives on:

• Asylum: The objective of this working group is to write a small study paper which includes the relevant information on asylum policies at national level, especially how they work in practice. In particular, the paper will focus on the qualification, procedures, reception conditions, data collection and integration system after asylum is granted. The study aims to shine more light on the successes, challenges and gaps in the following 9 countries: Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland and UK.
• Communication: The members involved in this group are looking at defining a common narrative on FGM at European level. Words matter, and carry an impact. FGM affected-communities are often targeted by hate speech. When mentioned in the media, in articles, social media and so on, FGM is often associated with terms that are judgmental and violent towards the affected communities, while the wording used also creates a feeling of otherness. The end result will be the publication of a two-pager on "How to Talk About FGM", targeting decision-makers and the media specifically on giving them concrete tips and keys to talk about FGM in a comprehensive and respectful way.
• Youth engagement: we are creating a Youth Manifesto, describing what it means to be a youth in today's society. the Youth Manifesto is diving into themes related to identity of the diaspora of FGM-affected communities living in Europe, and the challenges in engaging with young people from such diasporas. These challenges are also faced by the organisations that want to work with young people. The Youth Manifesto will be concrete recommendations on how to adequately and successfully work with young people in this movement to end FGM and will be aimed at organisations as well as young people who want to be involved with organisations. One recommendation is for example to always include young people in all parts of the decision-making process and to take their opinion into consideration at all levels.