Prevention and Protection
Preventing FGM/C means protecting girls, strengthening families, and supporting communities through processes of change. Successful prevention combines education, empowerment, expertise, and effective protection systems—both in the countries of origin and in Germany.
Prevention in the Country of Origin
1. Community Education and Changing Social Norms
Changing social norms is considered one of the most effective approaches to preventing FGM/C. Dialogue with families, religious and traditional authorities, young people, and female circumcisers (excisers) helps break down taboos and critically challenge existing beliefs.
Involving female circumcisers plays a particularly important role in this process. Many prevention programs support them in giving up their practice and developing alternative sources of income. At the same time, they are involved in awareness-raising efforts as key advocates.
2. Empowerment of Girls and Women
Empowerment strengthens self-determination and freedom of choice. Measures include human rights education, safe spaces for dialogue, and programs designed to promote self-confidence, safety, and decision-making skills. This empowers girls and women to make informed decisions and speak out against FGM/C.
3. Education
Education has been shown to have a preventive effect. Girls whose mothers have received at least a basic education are significantly less likely to undergo FGM/C. Schools are therefore important venues for prevention and education.
4. Networks and International Programs
Sustainable prevention is achieved through collaboration among various stakeholders:
Community-based initiatives promote change within communities, for example through trained community facilitators or local role models.
International programs (e.g., GIZ) support shifts in social norms, strengthen government and civil society structures, and promote the enforcement of existing laws against FGM/C.
Media and information campaigns raise public awareness and highlight alternatives to FGM/C.
Prevention and Protection in Germany
1. Education and Counseling
Educational programs are aimed in particular at affected communities and at families with ties to countries of origin where FGM/C is practiced. Culturally sensitive counseling provides information about the health consequences, human rights, and the legal situation in Germany, and supports families in resisting social pressure to undergo FGM/C.
2. Training of Skilled Workers
Professional, culturally sensitive support is crucial. Training sessions are aimed at:
Health Care
Doctors, midwives, nurses, and obstetric care staff need to be knowledgeable about the various forms of FGM/C, potential health consequences, and trauma-informed communication.
International training materials, such as those from the WHO, help healthcare professionals address FGM/C appropriately and take preventive action.
Social Work and Counseling
Sozialarbeiter*innen, Jugendämter, Frauenberatungsstellen und Schutzunterkünfte müssen Risikofaktoren erkennen, kultursensibel handeln und betroffene Mädchen und Frauen sicher begleiten können.
Education Sector
Teachers and school social workers often notice changes in behavior or signs of potential harm early on and can take protective measures.
3. Networks and Prevention Projects
Effective prevention requires collaboration among various institutions:
Regional and national networks of counseling centers, women’s shelters, health services, and specialized counseling services enable rapid knowledge transfer and coordinated support.
Community-based projects strengthen dialogue with the affected communities and promote prevention through trusted individuals.
Public relations and campaign work help raise awareness of the issue and publicize available support services.
4. Child Protection Strategies
Girls at risk of FGM/C need a reliable protection system:
FGM/C is considered a threat to a child’s well-being. Child welfare agencies must take appropriate protective measures in cases of concrete suspicion—including taking the child into custody or seeking family court orders in cases where there is a threat of circumcision abroad (“vacation circumcision”).
Protection plans in schools, daycare centers, youth welfare services, and medical facilities help identify risks early on and ensure that mandatory procedures are followed.
Close cooperation between schools, child welfare agencies, the police, counseling centers, and the healthcare system is essential for effective protection.
Girls have the right to confidential or anonymous counseling—even without their parents’ knowledge.
In individual cases, a personalized safety plan can help prevent immediate danger.
In short
Prevention of FGM/C is successful when measures taken in both the countries of origin and in Germany work together:
In the country of origin, the focus is on changing social norms, community education, engaging female circumcisers, empowerment, and education and development programs.
In Germany, culturally sensitive counseling, qualified professionals, effective networks, and consistent child protection measures are crucial to effectively protecting girls at risk.
