United to end female genital mutilation: an on line knowledge platform for professionals and public

Abstract

Introduction: An estimated of 500,000 women and girls in the European Union (EU) have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), with a further 180,000 at risk every year. Meeting the needs of these women and girls demands multidisciplinary action. This paper presents the United to End Female Genital Mutilation (UEFGM) knowledge platform, which is part of an EU-funded project. The platform is designed as a practice tool to improve the knowledge and skills of professionals who are likely to come into contact with women and girls affected by FGM. Method: Literature review was applied in regard to FGM along with expert validation process for the development of the modules particularly the e-learning section, expert and stakeholders' meetings for the other pillars of the Platform. Results: Three pillars were developed in the Platform: a) e-learning, b) country specific focus and c) live-knowledge discussion forum. The Platform explores related knowledge, skills, good practices, shared knowledge among professionals. UEFGM serves professionals and public as well in EU and worldwide. Conclusion: UEFGM comprises e-learning with a country-specific focus and a live discussion forum in which knowledge is shared between professionals worldwide. UEFGM discusses FGM and all related matters in a culturally- and gender-sensitive manner. It is a unique multidisciplinary and multilingual educational resource that has been found useful in everyday practice.