The work of the Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland

The Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland operates an information portal on FGM/C, gives advice and support to both people affected by it and professionals, engages in prevention work in the communities concerned, raises awareness among professionals and develops regional contact points. The Network promotes networking and ensures low-threshold access to information.

Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland

In autumn 2015, the Federal Council decided to step up its commitment against FGM/C: As a result, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) commissioned the project ‘Measures against female genital mutilation’. Three organisations and institutions are currently associated in a sponsorship for this purpose: Caritas Switzerland, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Bern (IZFG) and SEXUELLE GESUNDHEIT Schweiz (SGCH) . The aim is to protect girls and women at risk from female genital mutilation/cutting (FMG/C) and to guarantee medical care for those affected. The federal government confirmed the measures in autumn 2020 and pledged further financial support in spring 2021 until December 2023. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the project in 2023, the Federal Council decided to provide financial support for the activities of the Network against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland for a further phase from 2025-2029.

The flyer and the annual reports are also available in French and Italian.

What does the Network do?

  • Develops and operates a website: This website provides access to information and contact points for people affected by FGM/C and professionals.
  • Provides advice and information to people affected and to professionals: There are contact points where both people affected by FGM/C and professionals can obtain advice. Regional contact points for people affected and for professionals are also being established.
  • Raises awareness among professionals: It trains professionals and institutions from relevant areas, enhancing expertise in dealing with the topic.
  • Community work: It supports prevention work with migration groups affected by female genital cutting. It organises events aimed at raising awareness of FGM/C issues, in cooperation with key members of the diasporas. It offers regular continuing training and coaching for peer educators doing this community work.
  • Networking: It intensifies networking on the issue throughout Switzerland. The Network’s activities are supported by a broad-based advisory group.
  • Basic materials and resources: It develops basic materials and resources relating to the topic.
  • Project pool: Migrant men and women receive financial support through selected projects on FGM/C.