Assita Kanko achieves a great step forward in the European battle against female genital mutilation

Under the impulse of MEP Assita Kanko, the European Parliament voted on a European strategy to bring an end to female genital mutilation worldwide. The resolution met with widespread support across the whole political spectrum. “We are now really starting to take action. No more words, but deeds,” says a determined Assita Kanko.

No place for female circumcision in Europe

Already during the electoral campaign, Assita Kanko swore that she would put genital mutilation high up on the European political agenda if she was elected. So, the resolution was by no means unexpected. “We agree that in Europe, in the whole world, there is no place for female circumcision.”

Beginning of the end of genital mutilation

In the resolution there are strategies and recommendations to prevent female genital mutilation, to prosecute its practitioners and to support victims. “Genital mutilation is a crime against your body, your mind and your physical autonomy. I see this resolution and the recommendations as the beginning of the end of genital mutilation. We are going to close this book.”

Powerful European signal

With 612 votes, Assita Kanko’s resolution received wide support in the European Parliament. “The European Parliament is giving a powerful signal that the EU is taking this question seriously from now on. We are now really starting to take action. No more words, but deeds.”