Bridging Generations: Working Together to End FGM Against Women & Girls in Africa

The Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) isn’t just another campaign it’s a crucial human rights mission that demands the collaboration of generations, survivor-focused strategies, and long-term donor support. This was the resounding message from the “Bridging Generations: Working Together to End FGM as Violence Against Women and Girls in Africa” convening held in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 21–23, 2024. Organized by African Women Rights Advocates (AWRA) In partnership with Equality Now and Frontline Women’s Fund, with support from Wallace Global Fund and UNFPA, the gathering brought together 40 participants from 13 countries to brainstorm ways to eradicate FGM while tackling the broader issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Bringing Generations Together

“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it,” Frantz Fanon

This spirit of purpose filled the room as seasoned activists and fresh-faced youth leaders exchanged ideas and insights. Veterans shared the lessons of past battles while younger voices brought new tools like social media and fresh energy to the table. Together, they showed how blending wisdom with innovation can create unstoppable momentum.

Dr. Tapiwa Nyasulu of UNFPA shared a striking statistic: adolescent girls today are 50% more likely than older women to oppose FGM. It’s a hopeful sign of change, but it also underscores the need for experienced activists to guide this new wave of resistance. Drawing on milestones like the achievements of the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC), the convening highlighted the value of historical context in shaping effective advocacy today.

Intersectionality was a key theme. As Kimberlé Crenshaw has famously pointed out, injustices are often interconnected. Conversations linked FGM to child marriage, domestic violence, and other forms of violence against women. Tackling these issues together, the participants argued, could create more comprehensive and lasting solutions.

Putting Survivors at the Center

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” Maya Angelou wrote

One of the most powerful aspects of the convening was its focus on survivors. survivors’ stories are at the heart of this movement. Their voices and experiences shaped every discussion, ensuring that advocacy efforts remain relevant and grounded in reality.

Speakers like Jessica Neuwirth from the Frontline Women’s Fund and Faiza Mohammed of Equality Now stressed the importance of survivor-led initiatives. Real-life examples made these points hit home: Mariam Lamizana’s media campaigns in Burkina Faso have turned the tide of public opinion, while strategic litigation in Kenya—like the Eldoret sisters’ groundbreaking case—has set game-changing legal precedents. These stories show that when survivors lead, real change follows.

AWRA’s Evening Reception

On the second evening, AWRA hosted a vibrant dinner reception that brought together a dynamic mix of guests. Activists, allies, representatives from international NGOs, community-based organizations, and private-sector players all came together to network, share ideas, and celebrate their shared mission. Among the attendees was the Anti-FGM Board Kenya the only government body in the world exclusively focused on ending FGM.

The night wasn’t just about networking; it was about inspiration. Guests shared stories and initiatives from across the globe, sparking conversations that could lead to future collaborations. The highlight of the evening was a keynote address by Mrs. Bernadette Loloju, CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya. She passionately emphasised the need for governments, civil society, and private-sector players to join forces. Her words were a powerful reminder that no single group can tackle FGM alone it takes a unified effort.

Securing the Future with Sustained Support

“A vision without funding is a hallucination,” the saying goes, and this sentiment resonated throughout the convening. Grassroots and survivor-led organizations often face funding challenges that limit their impact. Susan Gibbs of the Wallace Global Fund made a strong case for equitable resource allocation through Africa-led intermediaries. This ensures that funds go directly to those working on the frontlines.

Participants also explored creative ways to raise funds. From leveraging partnerships with the private sector to using storytelling and the arts, innovative strategies are opening new doors. One memorable example: an Ethiopian couple’s wedding made headlines when they proudly displayed placards celebrating the bride’s uncut status. Their story became a viral sensation, capturing hearts and spreading awareness.

The Road Ahead

By the end of the convening, the participants had developed a clear roadmap for the future. Key commitments include:

• Strengthening alliances across generations through discussions and stakeholder engagement.
• Amplifying the voices of survivors and prioritizing trauma-sensitive practices.
• Coordinating efforts across borders to address FGM in communities that straddle them.
• Building a community of practice to ensure ongoing collaboration and shared learning.

Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The “Bridging Generations” convening embodied this truth. By uniting the wisdom of the past with the innovation of the present and centering survivors every step of the way, this coalition is blazing a trail toward a future free from FGM and violence against women and girls. The journey may be long, but with determination, collaboration, and sustained support, change is not just possible it’s inevitable