Project report
United to end female genital mutilation: an on line knowledge platform for professionals and public
Christiana Kouta, Elina Kofou, Christina Kaili ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001The United to End Female Genital Mutilation (UEFGM) platform is an online knowledge resource designed to improve professionals' understanding and skills in supporting women and girls affected by FGM. The platform has three components: e-learning modules, country-specific information, and a discussion forum for knowledge-sharing among professionals. It aims to serve both professionals and the general public across the European Union and worldwide, using culturally and gender-sensitive approaches.
Key points
- An estimated 500,000 women and girls in the EU have undergone FGM, with 180,000 at risk annually
- The platform was developed through literature review and expert validation processes
- Three pillars include e-learning, country-specific focus, and live-knowledge discussion forum
- The platform is multidisciplinary and multilingual
- It has been found useful in everyday professional practice
Limitations
The document does not provide quantitative data on platform usage, reach, or measurable outcomes from its implementation. It does not evaluate the effectiveness of the platform in changing professional knowledge or practice, or in improving outcomes for affected women and girls.
Abstract
Introduction: An estimated of 500,000 women and girls in the European Union (EU) have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), with a further 180,000 at risk every year. Meeting the needs of these women and girls demands multidisciplinary action. This paper presents the United to End Female Genital Mutilation (UEFGM) knowledge platform, which is part of an EU-funded project. The platform is designed as a practice tool to improve the knowledge and skills of professionals who are likely to come into contact with women and girls affected by FGM.Method: Literature review was applied in regard to FGM along with expert validation process for the development of the modules particularly the e-learning section, expert and stakeholders' meetings for the other pillars of the Platform.Results: Three pillars were developed in the Platform: a) e-learning, b) country specific focus and c) live-knowledge discussion forum. The Platform explores related knowledge, skills, good practices, shared knowledge among professionals. UEFGM serves professionals and public as well in EU and worldwide.Conclusion: UEFGM comprises e-learning with a country-specific focus and a live discussion forum in which knowledge is shared between professionals worldwide. UEFGM discusses FGM and all related matters in a culturally- and gender-sensitive manner. It is a unique multidisciplinary and multilingual educational resource that has been found useful in everyday practice.