On February 6, in Brussels, during the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Genital Mutilation, a partnership that began five years ago came full circle.
First date in Montreal
It was on February 6, 2019 that SEX-ED + and GAMS Belgium crossed paths for the first time at a conference, followed by a coffee. We then started dreaming of creating specific tools to accompany people who have had excision/infibulation.
Feb 2019, SEX-ED + kitchen
Going long-distance during a pandemic
It took a few years and a pandemic to bring together all the elements necessary to make this project a reality: funding from a Québec-Wallonie/Brussels program, a huge suitcase to bring the workshop across the Atlantic, a hyper-motivated sexologist from Cemavie CHU Saint Pierre to recruit participants, and the GAMS team ready to welcome with open arms the mess that comes with this kind of adventure.
Cendrine Vanderhoeven, sexologist
Second date in Molenbeek
In September 2022, SEX-ED + set up camp for a few days in Molenbeek at the GAMS premises and accompanied ten women through the process of casting their genitals, resulting in ten body imprints representing various types of excision/infibulation/clitoral re-exposition. Imagine a space full of people laughing, eating, dancing, sharing intimate moments in a multitude of languages (with translator when needed), all while covering their bodies in pink, gooey substances. It was a powerful and joyful space.
Process post body moulding
Becoming Instagram officials
On February 6, 2023, SEX-ED + made available the world’s first 3D anatomical model on post-excision/ infibulation clitoral re-exposition. This kit is made of three body reproductions of women who have had this surgery, with different aesthetic results. It has been designed to accompany those considering the procedure, so that they have a realistic representation of the possible outcomes.
Meeting the family in Montreal
In May 2023, SEX-ED + organized a conference on sexual health care pathways, with the Belgian colleagues in attendance. The goal of this half-day event was to pool our findings on the state of sexual health care, and to share initiatives that offer solutions and are rooted in patient needs. We welcomed practitioners, sexologists, midwives, sexuality educators, researchers and others interested in sexual health and rights.
Conferencier.e.s 29 Mai Photo par Rémi Leroux
Getting official in Brussels
Because we had to come full circle, on February 6, 2024 we presented the anatomical models and the process that led to their creation to the Belgian public at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
It was a pleasure to celebrate this pleasant and fruitful partnership together, in the company of all those who have contributed to it: participants, workers and volunteers. The highlight of the event was definitely hearing from the women who agreed to be models and testify to the impact this project has had on their relationship with themselves and their bodies. I won’t pretend to have kept a dry eye the whole event.
May we live happily ever after…
This project has come full circle, but it doesn’t mean we’ve put a nail in the coffin of our collaboration. In fact, GAMS Belgium is one of five organizations who will participate in testing SEX-ED + gynecological model. Another world premiere, it is the first model based on a real vaginal cast. It will be tested by midwives, med school students, nurses and social workers. that way we will collect data about resistance and public reactions in a diversity of settings. In short, this may not be the last time I’ll be hanging out in the rain in Brussels!
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