A Decade of Impact: End FGM EU’s Fight to End Female Genital Mutilation

Over the past decade, SRT grantee partner the End FGM European Network (End FGM EU), has emerged as a pivotal force in combating female genital mutilation (FGM). When the network was founded in 2014, following Amnesty International’s innovative “End FGM Europe” campaign, it united 15 civil society organisations from 13 EU member states with a vision to mobilise Europe against FGM. By 2025, the coalition has grown to 39 members across 16 European countries, including United Kingdom and Switzerland, contributing to policy reforms, community empowerment, and long-term systemic change across Europe and beyond.

The European Commission launched its Gender Equality Strategy in 2021. Prior to this, End FGM EU actively advocated for the EU to sign the Istanbul Convention, which formally recognised FGM as a form of violence against women. More recently, the organisation’s advocacy contributed to the development of the 2024 EU Directive on Combating Violence Against Women, which reinforces legal frameworks against FGM across Europe, and is another significant legislative milestone.

End FGM EU has also trained over 6,197 professionals across multiple European countries, equipping them with the skills to support FGM survivors and implement preventive measures. Other key milestones include developing the innovative FGM Interactive Map allowing users to compare specific policy, legislation, data and services; launching a European knowledge platform offering practical skills in supporting victims and survivors; and creating public awareness campaigns such as #MyVoiceMatters, which provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences and advocate for policy change.

End FGM EU’s work empowers FGM-affected communities by investing in sustainable, community-led solutions. The Youth Ambassadors Programme empowers young leaders from FGM-affected communities to become advocates for change. Youth Ambassador Sherifat Adeniyi emphasised that, “young people must have the space to express themselves and know their voices matter.” This initiative has fostered intergenerational dialogue and leadership development. The Purple Chair Podcast, a 10-episode series, aims to amplify the personal stories of youth ambassadors further, raising global awareness about eliminating FGM. The CHAIN Project, which works on community empowerment through training, capacity building of key professionals, and sensitisation of relevant stakeholders, addresses FGM and Early and Forced Marriage.

Additionally, the organisation aims to build sustainable movements. End FGM EU connects youth advocates directly with EU decision-makers through initiatives such as the European Week of Action for Girls. End FGM EU’s Senior Ambassador Aminata Bah noted, “The future is full of opportunities to continue this journey.”