Activities in Germany

Information, Advice, Assistance

In Germany, (I)NTACT mainly informs the public about the subject “female genital mutilation”. In addition, we stand up for the protection of girls and women in Germany who are mutilated or threatened by it.

(I)NTACT provides information, advice and assistance in many different ways, for example through the: 

• Provision of information and specialist knowledge on the subject “female genital mutilation” in Africa; discussions about the subject at schools, universities, on symposia, in front of interested groups

• Sensitisation of press, radio and television by means of press releases, interviews, poster campaigns, photo exhibitions and films

• Awareness raising of affected persons and people seeking advice on the legal situation in Germany

• Assistance of affected individuals in regard to health and juridical questions; Provision of legal counsels in reported cases

• Reporting cases to the police and the public prosecutor's office

• Reference to youth welfare offices and district courts, the institutions that are in charge to protect threatened girls in Germany

Regional and city groups 

For some years now, (I)NTACT is strongly supported by very dedicated honorary regional and city groups, in particular with regard to the sensitization of the population for genital mutilation and fundraising. The groups help to raise the public awareness of the human rights problem by the organisation of charity events, lectures, exhibitions, screenings and similar information sessions.

 
FGM network Integra 

(I)NTACT has united with like-minded organisations (among them are Terre de Femmes, the GTZ, Forward, etc.) in the “Integra”network. The organisations meet for professional and information exchange twice a year, support each other and co-ordinate joint events and activities. 

Patron of Integra is Federal President Prof. Dr. Horst Koehler since the 25th of August, 2005.

The Federal President became aware of female genital mutilation in the course of a visit to Benin and the included meeting with the Beninese partner organisations of (I)NTACT. Subsequently, he declared his willingness to support the fight against this violation of human rights.