Desert Flower Foundation – activities around the world

London/England – FGM in London’s district Lambeth extremely high

Lambeth has the 3^rd highest percentage of FGM victims in London.

A research conducted by Safer Lambeth Partnership, who worked together with Waris Dirie and the Desert Flower OFundation, shows that the number of victims of FGM is extremely high.

The Council offers part-time courses to help students to recognize when someone is at risk, and to take appropriate action.

Even local schools offer workshops for students aged 11 to 14 years.

Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Rachel Heywood said: “Targeted training for mothers who are victims is essential.”

http://swlondoner.co.uk/content/11031598-education-key-tackling-high-rates-female-genital-mutilation-lambeth-says-council

Vice President Linda Weil-Curiel attends debate in Düsseldorf/Germany:

Desert Flower Foundation Vice-President and French attorney Linda Weil-Curiel attended a conference on FGM in Düsseldorf/Germany, initiated by Ibrahim Gueye and Cheik Diallo president of the association Jappoo NRW e.V;

The conference was opened by the Mayor Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack Zimmerman.

Linda spoke about the implementation of the law to punish FGM perpetrators, who know they are doing an illegal act in Europe. Linda Weil-Curiel has been involved in more than 40 lawsuits against cutters and parents in France, many of them had been sentenced to jail and had to refund the victims with compensation.

Attorney Michael Heim commented that FGM could be one possible reason for asylum and Gynecologist Christoph Zerm described the most terrible effects of FGM (fistulae) and when giving birth.

Beryl Magoko, a young Kenyan film maker showed the film ‘The Cut’

Here the link to “The CUT”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pgn1iOXNAE

Successful film screening of Desert Flower in Nairobi/Kenia:

The film Desert Flower opened the festival “CulturELEES” on Nairobi/Kenia on March 12^th.

Before the screening, the female artist “Namatsi”, recited poems to her music and performed several tracks of her debut album “Nirvana”.

The festival is supported by USAID and the French Embassy.

http://nairobinow.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/screening-performance-the-desert-flower-mar-12-2013-alliance/

Venezuela/Caracas – Waris Dirie interview wins award:

The Venezuelan Journalist Rafael Álvarez received the renowned award ”Dr. Luis Guillermo Pineda” for his interview with Waris Dirie published in the south American newspaper ” Panorama”.

http://www.panorama.com.ve/portal/app/vista/detalle_noticia.php?id=25299

Nepal – film screening of Desert Flower :

Desert Flower Foundation supports human rights Filmfestival in Nepal.

Attic & Human Rights Film Focus Nepal presents HUMAN RIGHTS FILM SERIES started on March 7^th  in honor of International Women’s Day and started with the movie “Desert Flower”.

Human Rights Film Focus Nepal is dedicated to raising human rights awareness among the citizens of Nepal. To bring human rights related stories from all over the world into classrooms, office buildings, organizations and out on the street.

http://www.hrffn.org/2013/02/international-womens-day-on-march-8/

Austria – Desert Flower presentations at Rotary Clubs:

Desert Flower Foundation´s Lisa-Maria Geyer and Sophie Gigele were invited were invited by various Austrian Rotary Clubs to present the work of the Desert Flower Foundation.

The goal of the Desert Flower Foundation is to convince big international Clubs like the Rotary Club, to join the fight against Female Genital Mutilation.

Would you like to show the film Desert Flower?

Are you planning an event and would you like to invite the Desert Flower Foundation team to hold a presentation?

Or do you need information about the work of Waris Dirie and the Desert Flower Foundation?

Please contact our communication officer Sophie Gigele: office@desertflowerfoundation