The End Female Genital Mutilation European Network (End FGM EU) is launching the new cycle of the Ambassadors Programme! If you are passionate about human rights, gender equality and committed to the elimination of female genital mutilation, we would like to hear from you!
Ambassadors are key actors in the mission of the European Network – your voice and perspective are essential in improving policies and achieving concrete change ! Apply by the 17th May 2025 at the latest.
BACKGROUND OF THE PROGRAMME
In 2016, the Ambassadors programme was launched, with a clear objective for the Network to highlight at a European level, the work of community members against FGM. The programme was based on the strong belief that FGM cannot be ended without community voices, which are at the very heart of the work of The Network. It is entirely promoting and building on the work of the members working with community members.
The main objectives of the programme, are to increase understanding of FGM through sharing of personal stories, to empower and foster the mobilisation of FGM affected communities’ in Europe, contribute to advocating for the rights of those affected by FGM at the EU level, and support the Network’s work on building bridges between FGM-affected communities in Europe and countries of origin. Want to know more about the Ambassadors programme, visit this page for the Youth Ambassadors and this one for the Senior Ambassadors Programme.
THE ROLE OF AN AMBASSADOR
The selected Ambassadors are the best allies and are well-positioned to work with the Network and its members to end FGM at a European level. They are the link between communities and civil society organisations and it is primordial to ensure that their voices are heard. The Ambassadors are enrolled in the programme for a period of 2 years, during which they will participate to training sessions, take part to regional and international event and strengthen relations and provide a stronger connection between the organisations, the Network and FGM-affected communities.
In the event of a prolonged absence of more than 2 months, the Ambassador will automatically be considered as having left the programme.
As an Ambassador your experience and engagement in eliminating FGM make you an expert on the issue. Our platform is here to facilitate contacts between you and other ambassadors, members, community activists and change-makers and to create opportunities for you to directly influence policies that are relevant for you.
Overall objective:
Support the creation of a consolidated network of community activists, ensuring effective representation of FGM-affected individuals and communities at the European decision-making level.
Specific objectives of the Programme:
- Promote the work of member organisations and build on it;
- Strengthen the capacity of community activists;
- Provide a platform for ambassadors to amplify their voices at the regional and international level;
- Ensure that community voices are at the heart of the Network’s awareness-raising, communication and advocacy work
- Exchange, share knowledge, experience and best practices: the programme is intergenerational and brings together activists based in different countries and with varied backgrounds!
WHAT CAN WE OFFER TO THE AMBASSADORS?
- Opportunity to develop key skills in communication, advocacy and leadership; strengthening your CV, and supporting your career/vocational goals;
- A certificate to recognise your commitment and your contribution as an Ambassador
- Increase your knowledge of human rights frameworks and gender-based violence prevention, including the functioning of EU decision-making
- The opportunity to meet peers, share experiences and be a central player in the EU movement against FGM
- Meet high-level policy and decision-makers
- Opportunity to travel in the EU (expenses financed by the Network)
- Increase your ability to lead specific actions towards the elimination of FGM
- Volunteer stipend as per Belgian guidelines
For Youth Ambassadors:
- You could be selected to be part of the youth delegation during the European Week of Actions for Girls (EWAG) in October 2025 in Brussels
- Access to EU spaces reserved for youth-led change
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - FILL IN THE FORM
If you wish to express your interest in becoming an ambassador, please make sure that your profile matches with these eligibility criteria:
- You are already engaged with an End FGM EU member organisation, we invite you to apply for the End FGM EU Ambassador Programme
- You share the human-rights based approach, vision and values of the Network (see here)
- You commit to be involved actively in the Network’s activities agreed beforehand
- You accept to enter into an informal engagement agreement with the Network that defines the respective roles, rights and responsibilities (this is not employee contract)
- You are able to travel in the EU (your expenses will be financed by the Network)
- You have a good understanding of oral and written English
- You are not under an employee contract with a Network’s member organisation (see list here)
- You possess a residence permit in one of the EU Member States
- If you want to apply for the Youth Ambassador Programme: your age is between 15 and 30. If you want to apply for Senior Ambassador Programme: you are over 30
If you checked ok for all the items listed above, you can go ahead with completing the Expression of Interest Form in English and typed.
START YOUR APPLICATION HERE
Once you filled the form, send a confirmation email with the object “2025 End FGM EU Network – Ambassadors Programme” to qperarnau@endfgm.eu by the 17th May 2025 at the latest.
NB: In line with our objective to ensure representation of FGM-affected communities and diverse voices through our Network, we reserve the right to prioritise candidates from FGM-affected communities.