18 July 2014
This is our chance to be the generation that ends FGM and child marriage
Every year more than 3 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) and that’s one girl every 10 seconds! This shocking statistic is just one of the reasons why the Girl Summit 2014 on 22nd July is so important.
Co-hosted by the UK Government and UNICEF the first Girl Summit aims to create a world where FGM and child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) are no longer practised. It is the first international forum to look at these two issues together and will focus on sharing successful approaches and securing new commitments to take action on these issues from governments, civil society, faith leaders and the private sector.
28 Too Many has been working with the Department for International Development, our partners and other organisations working to end FGM in preparation for the Summit and we hope it will be a positive and inspirational event which will act as a catalyst for a step change in the campaigns to end FGM and CEFM, encouraging many more actors to engage in a global movement.
There are a number of events taking place around the Summit and 28 Too Many will be involved in many ways. You can follow our activities on Facebook and Twitter.
Saturday 19th July – #YouthforChange
Researcher Ella will be representing 28 Too Many at this special youth day, helping to ensure a strong youth message is presented to the main Summit meetings and that young people are fully engaged in future work to tackle these issues.
Sunday 20th July – Girl Effect Live
A multi-event festival celebrating girls’ achievements and identifying how we can ensure all girls are able to fulfil their true potential will take place in and around Brick Lane in London. Volunteers Beth and Shirelle will be there for 28 Too Many and ensuring that ending FGM is on the agenda.
Monday 21st July – Researching FGM and CEFM
28 Too Many Executive Director, Dr Ann-Marie Wilson will attend this meeting with a range of experts, hosted by the Department for International Development, on research and ensuring good data on FGM and CEFM together with evidence on what works to end these practices.
Tuesday 22nd July – Girl Summit
Dr Wilson and Rev. Medad Birungi of World Shine Ministries who partner with 28 Too Many on anti-FGM work in Uganda will be participating at the Summit and speaking at a session on the role of faith leaders in ending FGM and CEFM.
Wednesday 23rd July – End FGM Campaign Meeting
28 Too Many will be participating in a post-Summit meeting with other organisations committed to ending FGM on how the campaign moves forward and takes into account outcomes from this event.
Get involved
The Girl Summit is an opportunity for us all to make a commitment to end FGM and CEFM. We can all support the Summit, make our personal commitment and be part of creating a future where girls and women can fulfil their potential and live free from discrimination and violence.
Attendance at #YouthforChange and the main session on 22nd July is by invitation only but you can watch sessions via Livestream and there are many other ways to show your support and join in via social media.
You can support the Girl Summit by signing a pledge calling for an end to FGM and CEFM.
Here are other ways you can get involved in Summit.
The Girl Effect Live on Sunday 20th July is free and open to the public, featuring exhibitions, performances, workshops and discussions on girls’ empowerment.
Add your voice on social media. We will be on Twitter @28toomany and will be tweeting during the Summit using the hashtag #girlsummit. You can also follow @girlsummit.
You can also learn more about our work to end FGM and how you can help at www.28toomany.org. You can donate to support our research and campaign to protect girls and end this practice. Please also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the global movement to end FGM.