The first webinar was organized the 22nd of April 2020 and focused on the situation in Tanzania. Among others, Rhobi Samwelly, director of two safe houses in Tanzania for girls who escape for FGM shared with the audience how Covid-19 was impacting her work. In addtion, Annemarie gave a presentation on existing research, the similarities and differences between Ebola and Covid-19, potential risks, challenges, opportunities and solutions. The recording of webinar #1 is here. 

The second webinar was organized the 7th of May 2020 and focused on the situation in Kenya. Among others, Margaret Oyugi of the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) shared with the audience how they developed new ways of advocay and campaigning (for examply by using the radio) in times when community outreach is impossible of Covid-19. In addition, Annemarie shared with the audience all input she received on the potential risks, challenges, opportunities and solutions related to Covid-19. The recording of webinar #2 is here. 

The third webinar was organized the 26th of May 2020 and focused on the situation in Asia. The webinar featured members of the Asia Network to End FGM/C, a joint collaboration between ARROW and Orchid Project in partnership with activists, organisations and researchers working on FGM in Asia. Among others, Ms Retty Ratnawati of the National Commission on Violence Against Women in Indonesia shared with us their important research and experiences related to Covid-19. Aarefa Johari of Sahiyo India shared with us how the lockdown in India is impacting the prevalence of FGM at the moment and how the development of a new app might help campaigners in the fight against FGM during times of social-distancing and isolation. The recording of webinar #3 is here.

The fourth webinar was organized the 18th of June 2020 and focused on the role of the youth. The webinar was organized in collaboration with Stories To Action, an exciting new platform that amplifies youth voices and catalyzes action ensuring that their sexual & reproductive health & rights are guaranteed even during public health emergencies like Covid-19. Two amazing youth activists gave a presentation on how Covid-19 is impacting their work. First of all, Natalie Robi Tingo from Kenya, who is an EU Young Leader for Development and founder of Msichana Empowerment Kuria. She has reached more than 30,000 people from her community in Southern Kenya with her youth-led programs. Second of all, Dr. Mariam Dahir, a medical doctor from Somaliland gave a presentation. She volunteered to be a champion to educate and empower girls and women (including treating victims with FGM complications like fistula).

The fifth webinar will focus on the situation in West Africa and is organized in cooperation with AmplifyChange. We will hear from three amazing activists from Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Gambia, who will share with us how Covid-19 is currently impacting their work on the ground. First of all, Sarian Kamara who is the founder of ‘Keep the Drums and Lose the Knife' in Sierra Leone will give a presentation. She underwent FGM as a child in Sierra Leone and has spoken bravely and openly about her own traumatic experiences to educate professionals and communities. In the second place, Chioma Ike will give a presentation. She is the Executive Director at Circuit Pointe in Nigeria and is responsible for coordinating project activities, expanding the Organization’s professional network and fundraising efforts. Third of all, Oumie Sissokho, Partnerships Manager of the The Girls' Agenda, who's mission is the enthusiastically advocate for the respect of human rights for girls and women based in The Gambia will give a presentation.

You can use this Zoom link: https://uva-live.zoom.us/j/91109500696.

Please keep yourself muted during the session unless asked to unmute yourself and introduce yourself in the chatbox window, where you are invited to ask questions. The webinar will be recorded, so if you do not wish to be featured, please turn off your camera and do not use your real name.

We look forward to 'seeing' you again.   

Warm regards, 

Annemarie