African Women´s Organisation (Afrikanische Frauenorganisation AFO)
Schwarzspanierstrasse 15/1/2
1090 Wien
Austria
Contact person: Ethenesh Hadis
+43 676 303 78 75; +43 676 341 7495
afrikanisc.frauenorganisation@chello.at
http://www.african-women.org
Topics
- Aid for developing countries
- Antiracism, policy of integration
- Women's policy
About us
The African Women Organisation (Afrikanische Frauenorganisation AFO) was founded in Austria in 1996. The African Women’s Organization in Vienna is a non-governmental organization established in 1996 by African women from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt and other African countries. Membership is open to all interested in the welfare of women.
The AFO is a NGO with ECOSOC Consultative Status of the United Nations.
Objectives:
• Creating awareness and appreciation of the various political, economical, social and traditional problems women face in different societies;
• Creating and promoting understanding and accommodation among different cultures and societies in the community;
• Assisting and providing consultancy in the integration of immigrant women.
• Promotion of good and beneficial cultures and traditions.
• Campaigning against harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children.
Programmes
• Integration and promotion of culture: The Organization carries out cultural exchanges, traditional shows, exhibitions, seminars, discussions to implement this programme.
• Campaign against harmful traditional practices: Since 1998 the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM) became the organization’s area of priority. Its aim is through awareness and change of values prevent its practice among immigrant population originating from FGM risk countries.
Our work
• Main Areas of work are the prevention and elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM.
• The AFO established the First FGM Counselling Centre in Austria.
• The AFO makes studies about FGM and other harmful traditional practices (HTP's), produces teaching materials to prevent FGM, counsels FGM victims and clients who are in danger to undergo FGM, organises conferences, discussions, workshops and other events, etc. on these topics.
• Further aims are the prevention and elimination of violence on women and girls, the empowerment of women, the counselling of victims of trafficking, counselling services in the area of work and asylum/residence matters etc.
• Further core points are a clean and healthy environment, the equality of women etc. The AFO has also a wide network in Europe and Africa and with UN affiliated Organisations worldwide..
For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of FGM, HTPs, Integration, Women empowerment.