In January 2025, a key handover meeting in Kenya brought together some of the voices in the movement to end female genital mutilation (FGM). From government officials to grassroots activists, the meeting was about reflecting on progress, charting the future. At the heart of the meeting was a transition in leadership of the National CSO-led Network on Ending FGM, with COVAW (Coalition on Violence Against Women) stepping into the lead role.
Honouring the Journey So Far
Dr. Jacinta Muteshi, Team Leader for The Girl Generation, opened the session with heartfelt appreciation for everyone who’s walked this path so far from the civil society partners, movement leaders, to individuals who’ve kept the vision alive. She reminded us that it takes a village and multiple villages, in fact to challenge a practice so deeply rooted in communities. Dr. Muteshi also gave special thanks to Madam Bernadette Loloju, CEO of the Anti-FGM Board, for her unwavering leadership and commitment to driving national change.
What next?
In her remarks, Madam Loloju highlighted just how much has been achieved through Kenya’s legal and policy framework especially the Prohibition of FGM Act of 2011. But she also made it clear that, if we’re serious about ending FGM by 2030, we have to move faster and push further. She called for more collaboration, stronger implementation, and better coordination across the board.
COVAW then stepped forward to present their vision. This included governance, partnerships, and sustainability, and outlined how they plan to strengthen the network, support survivors, and advocate for lasting policy change.
Looking Ahead
The handover reminded us that progress doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through partnership, through shared leadership, and through an unshakable belief that change is possible.
As the National CSO-led Network for Kenya enters this new chapter with COVAW at the helmet, we are not starting over, we are building on. And with the momentum of this moment, Kenya’s movement to end FGM is only getting stronger.
This transition also came with a promise—to keep the network grounded in community voices, survivor-led action, and locally driven solutions.
