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.

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 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. This was a significant moment for the Network as not only we celebrated the achievements of the project, but we also launched our Annual Campaign: #Invest2PreventFGM: Building a Future Free from FGM!

The goal of the campaign is to shed light on the importance and critical need of investing in prevention strategies as the most sustainable way to eliminate FGM.

Welcome new board members and 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!

Aminata Sidibè (GAMS Belgium) renewed her mandate and will continue into her second year as co-president, alongside Sona, who also enters her second year. 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.

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 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.

Meet our new board!

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.

Our new Board Member Jules Buckley (Akidwa)!

We also welcomed 3 new members:

• Ahcama (Spain);

• Reparons L’excision (France);

• Nosotras Onlus (Italy)

Meanwhile, UNAF (Spain), already an associate member, changed its membership status and is now a full member! Learn more about the new members here.

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.

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

• Protect the CERV Programme: Maintain CERV as a standalone, well-funded programme.

• Prioritise Human Rights: Mainstream gender and human rights across all EU funding.

• Support CSOs: Secure long-term funding for grassroots and feminist organisations.

• Invest in Prevention and Care: Increase resources for SRHR, education, and holistic support.

Members were also encouraged to join the Advocacy Working Group, where MFF discussions will continue.

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 (e.g., donor checklists, fundraising calendars)

• Donor recognition plans and peer learning opportunities

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

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! Discover the new cohort of Ambassadors here!

Group picture with Members, the Secretariat and the new Ambassadors

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.