The counseling center stop mutilation Deutschland e.V. was founded to offer support and protection from female genital mutilation (FGM) to affected and at-risk women and girls. Our goal is to achieve a significant improvement in the quality of life for those affected through counseling, prevention, and education. Female genital mutilation is a serious violation of human rights, and we are passionately committed to ending this practice.
Our work is based on the values of inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment. We respect the backgrounds, experiences, and cultural identities of the women affected and strive to support them on their individual journeys. In doing so, we prioritize a respectful, equal exchange between counselors and those affected.
Our team consists of dedicated counselors who are not only highly qualified in their field but also come from the affected communities themselves. This close connection to the people we help is the key to our successful counseling work.
We speak many languages, including Arabic, Somali, Kurmanji, Amharic, and many others. This is crucial for ensuring counseling that is both trustworthy and effective. Our counselors also have a deep understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which the women live.
Jawahir Cumar is the founder and executive director of the organization. For 28 years, she has been advising, supporting, and protecting women and girls who have undergone or are at risk of female genital mutilation. She is a psychosocial counselor as well as a language and cultural mediator. She was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her dedication.
Dr. Christoph Zerm, M.D., is a leading expert on female genital mutilation. As a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, he conducts gynecological consultations at our counseling center. He provides expert and sensitive counseling and examinations to affected women. He also prepares expert opinions for asylum proceedings.
Agata Romanski-Ordas is a senior physician at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lukas Hospital in Neuss. For many years, she has been addressing the issue of female genital mutilation. During our gynecological clinic hours, she conducts consultations and examinations with the necessary expertise and sensitivity, and prepares expert opinions for asylum proceedings.
As an art therapist, Eva Schneehorst-Pfeifer leads art therapy sessions for traumatized women. Her approach enables affected women to share their experiences without words and to process them through creative forms of expression. Art therapy support is particularly important for women who have difficulty putting their trauma into words.
Our vision is a world in which all girls and women can live free from violence and discrimination. We firmly believe that every woman and every girl has the right to physical integrity, self-determination, and a life of dignity. Protecting these fundamental human rights is the central focus of our work.
Ending FGM
We are actively working to end FGM worldwide. This requires not only the protection of at-risk girls but also a sustainable change in the social norms and traditions that perpetuate this practice. Our vision is a future in which cultural traditions no longer endanger the physical and mental health of women and girls.
Strengthening and Empowering Women
Our vision goes beyond the mere prevention of FGM. We want affected women and girls to grow into self-confident, strong individuals who know their rights and are able to stand up for themselves. By supporting them, we strengthen their independence and help them process their traumatic experiences and shape their own futures.
Global Awareness and Prevention
We want to bring greater global attention to the issue of female genital mutilation. Our vision is a global society that is informed about the risks and consequences of FGM and actively works to prevent it. This applies not only to the affected communities but also to governments, health care systems, and the general public. Only through comprehensive education and awareness-raising can sustainable change be achieved.
Equality and Protection of Human Rights
In our vision, women’s rights and human rights are equally respected and protected in all societies. This includes not only protection from female genital mutilation but also from all forms of gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality. We dream of a world in which no woman or girl has to live in fear of violence and in which access to education, health care, and social participation is equally guaranteed for all.
Sustainable Change Through Education and Collaboration
An important part of our vision is collaborating with professionals and institutions to bring about long-term change. Through ongoing training and professional development, we aim to ensure that people in key positions—whether in the medical, social, or educational fields—are sufficiently informed about FGM and can act competently. Only through joint efforts and interdisciplinary collaboration can we create, in the long term, a world in which female genital mutilation is a thing of the past.
Inclusive, self-determined, community-based, and led by those affected: Building relationships and fostering trust with those affected, with the family as a whole, and with communities are the key factors for successful prevention and counseling.
Participatory Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Mechanisms
Mental Health, Psychosocial, and Trauma-Informed Approaches
Approaches tailored to children and adolescents, particularly with regard to gynecological consultations
Particularly with regard to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and life circumstances of those affected
As key factors in ensuring a low-threshold approach and, consequently, the success of prevention, counseling, and work processes, particularly with vulnerable clients
Through our newsletter, we provide you with regular, up-to-date information on the topic of female genital mutilation and our work. The newsletter is published quarterly and is sent free of charge as a PDF file via email.