Meet our new Board following our 2026 General Assembly

The End FGM European Network is pleased to announce the new composition of its Board, elected during our 2026 General Assembly held in Brussels on 4 and 5 June.

The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership and governance for the Network, supporting our collective goal to contribute to ending female genital mutilation. Each member brings their own expertise, shaped by both their professional work and lived experience.

This year's elections marked the conclusion of the mandates of Board members Sona Fati and Rohma Ullah, both of whom were eligible to stand for re election. Members also welcomed a new candidate, Umyma El Jelede.

Before the election process began, members took a moment to acknowledge and thank Rohma and Sona for their dedication, leadership and service to the Network during their previous mandate. Their contributions have helped strengthen the Network and advance our shared objectives.

In accordance with the Network's governance procedures, candidates were invited to present their applications, followed by a question and answer session with members. To be elected, they were required to receive 50% plus one of the votes cast.

Rohma Ullah re-elected to the Board

Representing the National FGM Centre in the United Kingdom, Rohma Ullah was re-elected to continue her work on the Board after serving as Treasurer and, more recently, as Co-President. In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing women and girls affected by FGM. Rohma emphasised the need for long term, systemic change and reaffirmed her commitment to a decolonial, feminist, and anti oppressive approach to ending FGM and other forms of gender based violence. Drawing on her experience as Head of the National FGM Centre, as well as her personal and professional journey, Rohma stressed the importance of connecting frontline expertise with strategic leadership and collective action.

Sona Fati re-lected for a second mandate

Sona Fati, representing APF Portugal and originally from Guinea Bissau, was re-elected for a second term on the Board. She spoke about her longstanding commitment to ending FGM and supporting affected communities. She reflected on her journey of learning and advocacy, as well as the importance of maintaining strong links between work carried out in Europe and the realities faced by communities in countries where FGM remains prevalent. She also highlighted the value of education, research, and community engagement in driving sustainable change and reaffirmed her dedication to contributing to the Network's work through both her professional and voluntary commitments.

Welcoming Umyma El Jelede

Members also elected Umyma El Jelede from FEM Süd to join the Board for her first mandate. A Sudanese MBBS graduate (Bachelor of Medicine and General Surgery) based in Austria, Umyma has worked on FGM prevention and survivor support since 2007. Throughout her career, she has developed a holistic and community centred approach that recognises the interconnected challenges faced by women and families, including access to healthcare, education, language support, and social inclusion. Her work has included community education initiatives, training for healthcare and social service professionals, and contributing to the establishment of Austria's FGM Coordination Office in 2022. During her presentation, Umyma emphasised the importance of ensuring that communities remain at the centre of efforts to end FGM. She also shared her vision for strengthening youth engagement across the Network and fostering greater collaboration between communities, civil society organisations, and public institutions.

New roles within the Board

Following the election, the Board members allocated their respective roles. The new structure sees Luul Jama take on the role of Treasurer, while Umyma El Jelede joins the Board leadership team as Secretary. Jules Buckley, who previously served as Treasurer, continues her commitment to the Network as a Board Member. Together with Co-Presidents Aminata Sidibé and Rohma Ullah, and Board Member Sona Fati, they will guide the Network's work over the coming mandate.