The European Citizens’ Prize goes to the battle against genital mutilation

This year, the European Citizens’ Prize will go to Hope for Girls, a fund that combats female genital mutilation. MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt awarded the prize to the project’s founders, Annemie Struyf and Lieve Blancquaert. “Hope for Girls has already been doing excellent work in Kenya for a long time now,” says Anneleen Van Bossuyt. “However, the foundation is also seeking to focus on vulnerable girls in Flanders and Brussels now. After all, the number of genital mutilation cases is also on the rise here in Belgium.”

The gruesome practice of genital mutilation is no longer purely an African problem. There are about half a million circumcised women living in the European Union today. All too often they are left to their fate. “In addition to psychological problems, there is also a list of accumulated physical complaints. We must support these women,” says Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Sixteen projects in Flanders and Brussels that focus specifically on vulnerable girls will receive financial support from Hope for Girls next year.

“Europe is appealing for additional focus on violence against women this year,” Anneleen Van Bossuyt concludes. “With projects focusing on the rights and the position of vulnerable girls, Hope for Girls is the perfect response to this appeal.”