Change: We make it together

The only way to effectively and robustly eliminate tenacious, culturally-related practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and to empower women and girls, is by bringing about a change in social norms, values and behaviour. The issue of gender, including the underlying differences in power between men and women, has to undergo change. This change can only be achieved through information, education, experience sharing and good communication.

With this objective in mind Refugee Organisations in the Netherlands (VON), has organised a project called Breaking the Silence ('Het zwijgen is voorbij'). A project for sustainable protection and for preventive methods to combat FGM.

The project engaged the community as the primary actors in their own development, changes of opinion and progress. This approach to child protection taken by VON is based on building a protective environment for children, while recognising the importance of the capacities of families and their care providers as well as the significance of open dialogue to promote change within the community.

Breaking the Silence was set up for and with 5 community groups (Eritreans, Ethiopians, Liberians, Somalis and Sudanese) to look at the prevalence of FGM within these groups in the Netherlands. It also looked at whether girls from these groups groups who either live or were born in the Netherlands faced the risk of being mutilated.

The main challenge was to make the community take reponsibility and feel accountable for the deeds of community members. Also we tried to assess the level of awareness within these communities about the danger and impact of FGM on girls, women and the family in general.

The report presents a broad outline and the most salient conclusions of the participants. Download the complete rapport below or order it at our .