Webinar
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 1:00-2:30PM EST / 10:00-11:30AM PST / 11:00AM-12:30PM MST / 6:00-7:30PM GMT / 7:00-8:30PM CET / 8:00-9:30PM IST / 9:00-10:30PM AST
For decades, women’s rights activists, parliamentarians, grassroots organisations and government representatives worldwide have united to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and other forms of violence against women that are perpetrated in the name of preserving cultural practices, but constitute grave violations of the human rights of women. In the lead-up to the globally observed International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on 6 February, and more than 12 years after the adoption of the landmark UN General Assembly Resolution 67/146 banning FGM worldwide, this International Center for MultiGenerational Legacies of Trauma in collaboration with No Peace Without Justice webinar, convenes a distinguished panel of experts and activists. Together, they will examine the ongoing challenges faced by the anti-FGM movement and explore strategies to reinvigorate efforts for meaningful change for current and future generations.
Speakers:
Alimatu Dimonekene, MBE
A passionate human rights advocate, public speaker, and champion of survivor-led advocacy and community engagement, Alimatu is originally from Sierra Leone and now based in the UK. She focuses on youth empowerment and encouraging girls as agents of change. As founder and director of A Girl At A Time (SL), a social impact organisation, she designed impactful programs with culturally-adaptive strategies in combatting harmful traditional practices such as FGM.
Comfort Momoh, MBE
A renowned midwife, author, and activist dedicated to combating female genital mutilation (FGM), originally from Nigeria, Comfort has been based in the UK since 1985. She established the African Well Women’s Clinic in London in 1997 providing specialized care to women affected by FGM, including reparative surgery. A leading voice in raising awareness and supporting survivors, Comfort has made significant contributions to the global fight against FGM.
Rugiatu Neneh Turay
A leading advocate against FGM and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. As the founder of the Amazonian Initiative Movement, she leads courageous grassroots efforts to empower women and combat child marriage and violence against women. Rugiatu previously served as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, using her position to push for stronger policies to protect women and children.
Khady Kolta
A Senegalese activist, author, and influential advocate in the global fight against FGM and forced marriage. A survivor herself, her experiences have fueled her advocacy, making her one of the most recognized voices on these issues in Europe and Africa. She is the author of Mutilée and the founder and president of La Palabre, a women’s rights organisation that established a shelter for vulnerable women in Senegal.
Giulia Schiavoni
A human rights and gender activist and Program Adviser for the Gender & Human Rights Program at No Peace Without Justice, Jiulia has worked on initiatives addressing systemic gender inequality, including co-authoring a study on child marriage in Italy. Her work focuses on practical strategies to tackle pressing human rights challenges, particularly those impacting gender equity and vulnerable groups.
Moderator:
Yael Danieli
A Clinical psychologist, traumatologist, victimologist and psychohistorian, Dr. Danieli is Founder, Executive Director and Senior Representative to the United Nations of the International Center for MultiGenerational Legacies of Trauma (ICMGLT); Director, Group Project for Holocaust Survivors and their Children and Past-President, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
