Stronger Together: Recap of the End FGM European Network 2025 General Assembly

On the 19th of June 2025, we welcomed our End FGM European Network Members’ in Brussels to reflect and exchange views during our annual General Assembly.

The event is one of the most important moments for the Network, as it is a fundamental occasion for the Board, the Members, the Secretariat and the Ambassadors to come together and share insights and reflect on where we are in fight to end FGM in Europe.

Pictured: Marianne Nguena Kana, Interim Director of the End FGM European Network

Our work and impact in 2024

This was also a moment to discuss the internal work of the Network during 2024 and to adopt and share the budget and the WorkPlan for 2025.

Our Interim Director, Marianne Nguena Kana, presented the activity report for 2024. It was a year full of successes and fruitful collaborations, from celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Network to contributing to the adoption of the first-ever EU Directive on Violence Against Women. The advocacy team also participated in strategic meetings and joint statements on the Victims’ Rights Directive and harmful practices recommendations. The team of End FGM European Network hosted the final event of the Join Our Chain project at the European Parliament, held on the 4th of February in the framework of the Zero Tolerance week for Female Genital Mutilation. 

We welcomed a new board and new members of the Network!

A key moment of the General Assembly was the Board Elections and analysing together the request of possible new members of the Network!

According to the Network's Statutes, the Board can consist of 3 to 7 members with overlapping mandates. With five seats available this year, elections were held.

Aminata Sidibé (GAMS Belgium) renewed her mandate as co-president. Rohma Ullah, previously the treasurer of the organisation, is now serving as co-president.
Sona Fati continues her mandate, shifting from the role of secretary to board member.

We are thrilled to welcome two new Board Members:

- Luul Jama (Existera – Sweden), who brings extensive experience in education, political advocacy, and a strong feminist approach.

- Jules Buckley (Akidwa – Ireland), who offers a rich background in intersectional advocacy, decolonial feminism, and survivor-centered work.

Outgoing co-president, Rukio Omer, delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on her journey, her commitment to supporting the Secretariat, and her hopes for the future of the Network. Fellow Board Member, Marly Bah, also announced her departure, sharing her gratitude for the experience and growth during her two-year mandate.
We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and passion of our outgoing Board Members and look forward to building on their legacy with our newly elected team.

Learn more about the new Board here

Pictured: our new Board Member Jules Buckley (Akidwa)

We also welcomed 3 new members:

• Ahcama (Spain);
• Nosotras Onlus (Italy)
• Réparons L’excision (France);

Meanwhile, UNAF (Spain), already an associate member, changed its membership status and is now a full member!

Learn more about the new members here

Pictured: Graziana Cusato (Nosotras Onlus), Gloria Andarus Bimbi Okhomina (Nosotras Onlus), Nina Tunon De Lara (Réparons l'Excision), Aissatou Diallo-Bah (Ahcama) and Marcela Barbosa De S.A. Moraes (Ahcama)

Discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework

Given the importance of current EU funding negotiations, a session on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) was held to highlight key issues.  There is an overall growing concern around potential funding cuts for gender equality and civil society in the next MFF, urging coordinated advocacy to safeguard progress. Members were also encouraged to join the Advocacy Working Group, where MFF discussions will continue.

Our Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Xheni Dani, shared a one-page summary and outlined four key priorities for the Network.

Read the one-page summary here

Pictured: Xheni Dani, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator at End FGM EU

Fundraising strategies: next steps as a Network

Charlène Jolivet, fundraising consultant for the Network, presented the new strategy aimed at reducing reliance on EU funds and diversifying income. Developed with the Secretariat and members, the strategy equips the Network with tools for donor engagement, digital giving, and legacy fundraising.

Key elements include:

• Diversified and sustainable funding sources

• Practical tools for staff and members

• Donor recognition plans and peer learning opportunities

Charlène encouraged members to start small, build relationships, and adapt strategies as needed.

Pictured: Marianne Nguena Kana, Interim Director of End FGM EU with Charlène Jolivet, fundraising consultant for the Network

The new ambassadors are here!

Finally, we also introduced the new Youth and Senior Ambassadors 2025-2027, some were online while others were present in person, but they were all ready and willing to join forces and take concrete steps in ending FGM

Learn more about the new ambassadors here

Pictured: Aminata Bah, Operations and Gouvernance Officer at End FGM EU

In 2025, the End FGM European Network launched a powerful campaign to raise awareness about the devastating impact of FGM not only on women and girls but also on society as a whole. Our #Invest2PreventFGM campaign calls for greater investment in prevention, education, funding, survivor protection, intersectional approaches, and support to eradicate FGM. With half of the year behind us, let’s continue driving our 2025 campaign forward!

Learn more about the 2025 campaign here

Thank you to everyone who attended online and in person our annual moment together, see you next year for another inspiring General Assembly!

Background:

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the End FGM European Network, and it is made up of all Full Members of the Network. Associate Members participate as observers, they can have input in the discussions but do not vote. Our General Assembly is open to all Members of the End FGM European Network and our Ambassadors.

For more information about the General Assembly, please find the Statutes here.