REPLACE 2 Project Updates: 14th February 2014

Following the International Day for Zero Tolerance to FGM

The 6th February 2014 marked the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. The REPLACE 2 partners around the globe attended some important events and used these opportunities to raise the profile of REPLACE 2 and its unique behaviour change approach to ending FGM. 

In Spain, Gabinet’ Fatou Secka attended the ‘III International Conference on FGM: A reality in Europe’ organised by UNAF (The Union of Family Associations). Fatou presented a paper about the Spanish situation on FGM as well as the REPLACE2 project. Fatou took this opportunity to distribute project leaflets to the conference delegates. 

In Portugal,  APF attended an event organized by CIG (Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality), where two secretaries of state were present. APF used this opportunity to disseminate the REPLACE 2 leaflets and generate some interest in the project. In the afternoon, Miguel Feio attended an event to discuss FGM on the Pos 2015 Agenda for Development Goals. Miguel talked about the importance of working with communities and involving them in the behaviour change process both in Europe and in their origin countries; making reference to both Daphne projects APF are involved in (REPLACE 2 and CREATE Youth Network).

In Italy, the Eritrean and Ethiopian researchers, involved in project development by CESIE in Palermo, organised a morning of debates about the topic of FGM with the students of a high school (Regina Margherita of Palermo). It was an opportunity to raise awareness among young people about FGM, but also to reflect on broader issues such as migration flows, and different cultural practices and values.

REPLACE 2 had an active presence on twitter and Facebook on the day, and gained some new followers!