Event: Female Genital Mutilation in the Time of Covid-19

Title: Female Genital Mutilation in the Time of Covid-19

Date: 7th July 2020

Time: 2pm-3.30pm

Venue: Via Zoom

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced communities around the world to stay at home. During this period an increase of incidences of sexual and gender-based violence have been witnessed by service providers and frontline services, with many women seeking support. The hidden nature of FGM puts girls at greater risk of undergoing the practice and the fact that school, as well as other spaces where families frequent have been closed hasn’t been helpful.

During a crisis vulnerable groups and families are often forgotten and migrant women and girls become increasingly vulnerable. Even before the outbreak of this pandemic, migrant women have faced significant obstacles in accessing services and support, so we must work towards establishing adequate measures to respond to FGM during to the pandemic.

Ireland’s first FGM conviction in January 2020 reminds us of the hidden nature of FGM. AkiDwA is concerned that many girls might be at risk of this harmful practice more than ever. To raise awareness and stimulate discussion on this issue AkiDwA will hold a conference ‘FGM in Times of Covid-19’ on the 7th of July 2020 starting from 2 – 3.30 pm. Speakers from the Global South, Europe and Ireland will contribute to the event. This conference will look at and discuss what can be done to protect girls at this time and as well explore how women who need to access services during this lockdown can be reached and supported.

Registration is free through Eventbrite.