FGM News
International federating efforts to #EndFGM (mostly in chronological order)
Please follow the overall sequence #AntiFGMGlobal archived Anti-FGM media and advocacy work on Twitter –
follow me @dwalshmedia,
#GAFGM (2009 to 2014)
and then onward as #AntiFGMGlobal (2014 to 2023).
This list below is not meant to be exhaustive. Not all activities dear to me I’ve shared on Twitter are able to be recorded below. These updates reflect my most cherished and salient memories. On Twitter, more #EndFGM news internationally can be found. Please explore👓
#GAFGM hashtag evolved into #AntiFGMGlobal gradually so please read both hashtag tweets if you interested in anti-FGM activism in New York, Washington DC, Geneva, Paris, Montreal, Vancouver and Seattle.
Posted July 28, 2022
Global Alliance against FGM, announced via email, to Mediageode (myself) that it ceased official activity in 2018/2019. The pandemic took its toll on many groups. However:
For posterity, Mediageode, c/o my more recent #AntiFGMGlobal hashtag on Twitter, voluntarily maintains some of their most interesting archives and news clips. Of special note is that their activity was based in France and Switzerland and was linked to UN Geneva. This organization in particular successfully reached out and began to collaborate with other anti-FGM activist organizations internationally, most importantly @1globalwoman, a foundation in the U.S. It was unique in this way.
Posted June 14, 2022
Diane Walsh’s VO article as an Academic citation in Kenya
Posted December 30, 2021
Read Global Woman P.E.A.C.E Foundation annual report
Ifrah Foundation – my GWPF suggested nominee for an G.W.P.F award for anti-FGM activism received her award
Guillaume Roth academic thesis – mention of my work in Geneva with #GAFGM in April 2011
Posted February 28, 2021
PM Trudeau government supports #AntiFGMGlobal
Posted December 1, 2019
Mediageode supports a Global Portal #AntiFGMGlobal in unison with all #EndFGM activists pic credit: screen-save from Orchid Project webpage

#EndFGM #NoFGM #myissuetoo #hearmetoo
http://wizathon.com/walk2endfgm/79977
Posted Aug 21, 2019:
Posted Nov 20, 2018
Washington DC Oct 2018 with credit to @1globalwoman
Global Woman P.E.A.C.E Foundation’s Anti-FGM G.W.P.F. Education Tools
Posted July 19, 2018
https://www.wizathon.com/walk2endfgm/
2018 G.W.P.F. Nominees https://www.wizathon.com/walk2endfgm/?id=3136
#Walk2EndFGM from @1globalwoman: “What is the Walk to End FGM?” Join us October 26-27th as we walk in solidarity to #EndFGM at the National Mall in DC. Find out more at: http://www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org/what-is-the-walk-to-end-fgm-walk2endfgm/ … ”
Posted November 11, 2017
NPC gave a wonderful guided tour to Hillary Burrage, Arifa Nasim and myself (the member) on Oct 20, 2017. Our tour was given by a DC journalist who said she also covered FGM in her journalistic work (contact Arifa for more info about this liaised contact and constructive talk). As a result of this tour, we collectively were able to raise awareness about @1GlobalWomen events.
November 2015 – The Guardian – Hillary Burrage Book launch. [mention] Lower Islnd News, LIN attends book launch at the Guardian in London, December 2015; “Continuing the international fight to eradicate FGM“, August 2015–
Earlier: This is a Copy of the Speaker/Request sent to NPC_ via the National Press Club’s website required ‘Format Form’ – sent on – July 6, 2016. September 13, 2017, shared here. Yet to be scheduled. More info @E2Eradicate thanks to the expertise of Arifa Nasim on #EndFGM #antiFGMGlobal #GAFGM
A mini UN convenes by Hilary Burrage: https://hilaryburrage.com/2017/10/22/three-days-with-global-woman-p-e-a-c-e-foundation-washington-dc-october-2017/amp/
A helpful overview of the anti-FGM debates and a mention here: https://femalemutilationworldwide.com/2013/11/09/female-mutilation-chapter-7-north-america-diane-walsh/
Posted October 30, 2017
Washington DC National Mall Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation Walk against FGM G.W.P.F.Walk 2017
Posted November 30, 2016
National Press Club visit and article https://twitter.com/dwalshmedia/status/792590099603001345?s=21
Washington DC National Mall Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation Walk against FGM G.W.P.F. Walk 2016
Posted June 8, 2016
Lower Island writer Diane Walsh has been selected to receive a Certificate of Recognition 2016 for journalism/advocacy at the National Mall in Washington DC, on Oct 15, 2016 by G.W.P.F.
Posted April 5, 2016
An exclusive with Diane Walsh via G.W.P.F http://globalwomanpeacefoundation.org/an-exclusive-with-diane-walsh/
http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2016/6/ed-to-visit-canada
Click to access 10_7-13%20February%202011.pdf
UN Women mentions my Feb 2011 article (see above)
Posted June 30, 2015
#AntiFgmGlobal Police education UK (West Midlands)
Posted March 20, 2015
Explanation of the various types of FGM: Workshop art used by
IAC Ne; Kenya for education and awareness
Exhibited: Art Prints (legend) 1. Abstract “Say ‘No!’ to FGM” and 2. Artistic Rendition of “The Horror of FGM”
Enfield, UK/ Oxford, UK #Art to raise awareness about #EndFGM @dwalshmedia
Blogger featured art
Exhibit in Enfield (North London) UK Standing up to FGM, in collaboration with UnCut Voices, Dr. Tobe Levin, University of Oxford Symposium Programme
CBC – #Canada #EndFGM #AntiFGMGlobal
Click Image
The University of Oxford, Contestations around FGM: Activism and the Academy via @UnCUTVOICES
Posted February 5 2015
Feb 5, 6, 7 “CONFÉRENCE 18H00 AU MEG – MGF ET LES RITES SACRIFICIELS” Geneva Campus United Nations
“Dans le cadre de la Commémoration de la Journée Internationale de Tolérance Zéro aux Mutilations génitales féminines (MGF) célébrée chaque 6 février, l’Alliance Globale contre les Mutilations génitales féminines (AG-MGF) une initiative canado-allemande basée à Genève, organise des évènement les 5 et 7 février au Musée Ethnographique de Genève, activités placées sous le patronage de la Commission suisse pour l’UNESCO”.
Posted December 30, 2014
GAFGM Provisional Conference Programme Feb 5- Feb 7 #GAFGM #IDRS on twitter, planned for February 6, 2015 – Zero Tolerance Day/FGM at the United Nations, Geneva, UN Campus including supporting UNESCO letter of support
November 16, 2014
November 8, 2016
Pictures of the Nov 8 Walk in Washington
Video of an FGM activist who read her poetry at the Speaker-Presentations after the Walk.
Reflections on the momentous event – We are the ones who can’t be ignored
Global Woman P.E.A.CE Foundation Washington DC Walk Nov 8 2014
October 5 2014
Published online as of today.
A most comprehensive study on #GAFGM and #FGM by Guillaume Roth
mémoireM2 – Guilaume’s thesis on FGM-Copy for Diane Walsh. Written in French.
Translation available if anyone needs it. Contact on twitter @dwalshmedia
Special thanks: I was incredibly honoured to be listed/included as a mention (page 16).
Mr. Roth is an outstanding research and communication specialist. Contact details available, if requested.
My 2010 article which appeared in Vancouver Observer
is now used a source. Referenced in a NIH study on FGM here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4064295/
This is the URL to the complete study.
Posted April/March/February 2014 London
Southbank
March 18, 2014
Trailer of Mali concert and Africa meeting GA-FGM, post-symposium
March 13, 2014
Article on #GAFGM/AGMGF (Fr.) in the French publication, le Dauphiné Libéré, regarding Conference 3.3.2014 at Cercle Condorcet de Ferne-Voltaire.
March 4, 2014
Canadian artists at the UN say, “No to FGM” The Source/LaSource, March 4 2014
#GAFGM @dwalshmedia:
Video of Elisabeth Wilson opening remarks at #GAFGM exhibition Feb 6 2014 Geneva, UN campus
March 3, 2014
Synopsis of the Symposium (Fr.) Rapport symposium AG-MGF du 07 Fevrier 2014 Summary of the speaker’s remarks (available as of March 3,2014).
Feb 6 – Feb 7, 2014
Feb 6 – The Exhibition African and Native Canadian Art Feb 2014 project has been accepted by the United Nations Cultural Affairs Committee in Geneva, Switzerland. I am covering this event as a UN accredited journalist
Feb 7 – Invitation, provisional programme, and details: I am attending as a Participant. Letter (Fr.) Remerciements Symposium AG-MGF received subsequently, March 3.
Invitation Symposium Chaire MGF_ 7 Février 2014
September 2013
Coop Média de Montréal, Menacée, attaquée, critiquée – Josée Gavi, fondatrice de l’ONG AMEVI-TOGO lutte sans relâche contre les MGF, le 17 Septembre, 2013
December 12, 2013
Global Alliance Against FGM fund-raiser GA-FGM Press Release – Halfmoon Woman Canada_Dec 2013 – Indigenous Canadian Woman & Birch Bark Biting Master presents, in Geneva, Dec 12th and 13th, UN Campus in support of GAFGM.
May 16, 2013
I was honoured when I spotted the other day, I am mentioned on Adobe page 16 – text page 14, in the annual general report of the Global Alliance against FGM. This is an excellent document if you would like to learn more about this organization GAFGM
May 14, 2013
“Monsieur Holger Postulart (please note in English, Exec Director of GAFGM, Global Alliance Against FGM) va annoncer le projet de créer une Chaire universitaire spécialisée sur les MGF à cette conférence (voir communiqué de presse). L’Agence de coopération internationale allemande va être le premier donateur. l’AG-MGF (GAFGM) est en partie canadienne.”
… « Afin de célébrer la toute première journée internationale pour l’élimination de la fistule obstétricale le 23 mai et, conjuguant leurs efforts pour faire connaître cette cause, l’Alliance Globale contre les MGF (AG-MGF) en collaboration avec la Fondation Genevoise pour la formation et la recherche médicales (GFMER) vous invitent à un débat au Club Suisse de la Presse avec le Dr Charles-Henri Rochat » — Holger Postulart
UN Special Magazine, “Change the fate of girls: it’s in our hands”, by Diane Walsh, 2015.
February 5, 2013
press release from NPWJ: High Level Meeting in Rome, Final Declaration calls for full and complete implementation of the UN Resolution Banning FGM Worldwide.
Rome, Italy: Conférence sur les MGF. No Peace Without Justice.
“J’y suis en tant que fondatrice de l’Alliance globale contre les MGF A mes côtés, Madame Compaoré, Première dame du Burkina Faso (centre) et Ambassadrice du Comité Inter-africain sur les pratiques traditionnelles néfastes à la santé de la Femme, Madame Lamizana, Présidente du CI-AF et la Ministre de la promotion de la femme du Burkina Faso, Madame Nestorine Sangaré (gauche)” – Elisabeth Wilson, GAGFM (pic above, second from left side). Pic below, Hon. Emma Bonimo, Italian Senate and members of NPWJ
December 20, 2012
No Peace Without Justice based in New York City but working diligently with activists around the globe gives a much-awaited press release on the UN resolution against Female Genital Mutilation, which passes December 20, 2012. The actual text of the UN resolution can be accessed here: Resolution UNGA English and Rėsolution UNGA French
No Peace Without Justice, the Ban FGM campaign, the Inter-African Committee, Euro-net, the first lady of Burkina Faso Hon Mrs Chantal Compaoré, and many others, have helped make this groundbreaking historical event, a reality – this includes the public awareness work of organizations such as Global Alliance Against FGM, the Orchid Project, the AHA Foundation, just to name a few. It takes a village as Hilary Clinton once said. A global united village to make this happen, as #AntiFGMGlobal activists say.
From left to right: Represented here, No Peace Without Justice, Inter-African Committee, Burkina Faso chapter, IAC Ethiopia chapter, Global Alliance Against FGM (this picture was taken in New York City at NPWJ headquarters on September 23, 2010 during the United Nations Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) where much pressure was placed to put forward a resolution. It would not have happened without great activists. Hon Emma Bonino, former MP in the European parliament and current member of the Italian Senate, was then (and still is) a tremendous political weight behind the Ban FGM campaign.
December 3, 2012
Global Alliance against Genital Mutilation, presents a
Concert in Geneva, Switzerland December 3rd, 2012 (its press release in French)Communiqué Res ONU_Canada_2012, at United Nations Campus, Ecumenical centre – 1800 h UT with Event information here: Programme 3 decembre 2012_final_Fran, celebrating the recent UN resolution against FGM and advances in awareness of the subject over the last year since the last concert in Versonnex, France.
http://fgcdailynews.blogspot.com/ an excellent source for those wishing to follow media pieces on FGM. My article on FGM in VO featured.
April 2011
Pivotal piece – READ THIS BLOG POST FEB 6 2011 ZERO TOLERANCE TO FGM – UN GENEVA, UN NEW YORK #GAFGM strategies to end FGM worldwide
My trip to the UN Geneva Campus
As one Global Woman anonymous anti-FGM activist says,
“If you know something, get in touch. It only takes a tweet, email, or a FB post, to get involved. Know that excisors practicing FGM (anyone condoning, lending credence to supporting babies, little girls and womens’ genitals being sliced in societies of fear, coercion and confusion are under watchful eye. It’s clear that the future can and will be better. If you see FGM happening, speak out. Don’t be a witness and do nothing”.
resources: during the Zero Tolerance Day, please take the time to watch these two videos, which includes work and presentation by Ban FGM Campaign. Share with friends.
Messages for UN Women – in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/gallery/2011/mar/02/women?CMP=share_btn_tw&page=with:img-22#img-22
https://www.flickr.com/photos/guardianonflickr/5476975350
https://www.flickr.com/photos/guardianonflickr/5476975426
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKdTIx_-_I8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApRkNqm6UFE&feature=related
Please note, Twitter hash-tag is: #FGM, #NOTOFGM, #STOPFGM #Feb6 #AntiFGMGlobal
mediageode at gmail dot com
September 29, 2010
My trip to the UN http://www.vancouverobserver.com/politics/commentary/2010/09/29/un-hones-female-genital-mutilation
Michelle Bachelet, Head of UN Women, sitting down for her first interview on the job, with Nathan King of France 24. Diane Walsh photo.
Sept 23, 2010 pics: In my board editorial capacity, was pleased to facilitate with Lower Island News credential and we were enormously proud to both have UN accreditation at New York campus for the purpose of covering the MDGs.
Feedback welcome
Nice work you’re doing to enlighten people. So far this is what I have done. The spirited fight must go on in fighting FGM
http://www.westfm.co.ke/index-page-news-bid-1539.htm
Thank you David!
David, please check our new publishing company….www.uncutvoices.com. We translates books about FGM into English.
Hi Rebecca, Hi David. I’m thrilled that you’ve been able to make contact with each other through my blog. David is a wonderful character and an excellent networker and reporter. Rebecca, I am also so pleased to know that you are involved in anti-FGM activism…I did not know that until now!…when I just read your comment above. Let me know if you do not hear from David and I will assist you in making more direct contact.
Greetings:
This is to humbly bring to your attention the availability of my new novel -FLIGHT OF LIFE – from the trilogy- “phenomenon that refuses to die”, a story from an African perspective which contributes to efforts to
bring about the eradication of female genital mutilation, the harmful traditional practice which is slowly becoming more global in its spread from Africa and the Middle East to the West through modern migration.
The novel is an advocacy styled fictional story of the adolescent daughter of an African diplomat who had first-hand knowledge of the agony of Female Genital Mutilation and the blood-chilling evidence of its damaging afflictions when she was seven years old. Avah has since had a predilection, and is averse to the harmful practice; she truculently battles to avoid going for the same rite of passage rituals. There was relentless pestering and harassing from family members fueling incessant heated confrontations between Avah and her mother including abduction attempts which finally culminated in sponsored daylight kidnapping on the streets of London and aggravated diplomatic imbroglio.
This insightful modern day story throws up some simple practical yet unique eradication tool(s) that are so far overlooked in the fight against the scourge of FGM. You are an acknowledged passionate believer in the erradication of the old harmful practice that leaves girls and women victims with life-long physical and psychological trauma.
FLIGHT OF LIFE is available as eBook at a low affordable price on Amazon Kindle eBooks.co.uk and can be read also on your PC and other modern smartphone gadgets in addition to Kindle and iPod.
Please visit Amazon.com:eBooks for your copy; or a gift copy can be forwarded to you upon request. You may also borrow to read from the Kindles owners’ lending library on Amazon.eBook.co.uk.
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?ie=UTF8&node=1286228011#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D1286228011&field-keywords=FLIGHT+OF+LIFE+by+Raymond+Ladebo&rh=n%3A13314001
Thank you for your kindness.
Raymond Ladebo
I will tweet the URL to the book as well. Stay in touch
-Diane Walsh
[…] For more info on FGM News go here […]