Why influence policy?

Policies can be defined as:

«Action Plans containing principles to achieve an objective, and outlining who will carry out the concrete actions that will lead to the achievement of that set goal»

Policies on which End FGM EU works are related to:

  • Combatting Gender-Based Violence;
  • Supporting Survivors;
  • Ensuring protection for women and girls at risk;
  • Helping women and girls fulfil their potential.

When a policy is lacking, advocates push policy-makers to address the neglected issue

For instance, when a comprehensive European strategy against FGM was lacking, we advocated for it to be created, and successfully achieved the first ever EU Action Plan on eliminating FGM in Europe and beyond!

What is "advocacy"?

Advocacy is a:

«Deliberate, strategic and non-discriminatory human rights-based process, formed around evidence and the experiences of rights-holders, aimed at influencing decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders»

It does so in order to:

  • Hold duty-bearers to account;
  • Achieve change in policy and practice;
  • Contribute to the ending of the practice of Female Genital Mutilation.

Members of the European Parliament after the Resolution of 12 February 2020