Movement Building
Shaped by the Voices of the Movement
The Network was founded because of survivors and anti-FGM/C activists coming together at the 2016 Girls Summit and directly calling on a formalized U.S. Network to be formed. In addition, we further sought the input from those in the anti-FGM/C movement in the U.S. through a scoping study to learn more about how an official U.S. Network should function prior to formally opening. This unique history demonstrates how movement building is central to our work as an organization, as our formation was guided not just for the movement but most importantly by the movement.
Powered by Our Members
Currently, the Network has approximately 200 diverse members which include survivors, activists, students, healthcare providers, policy makers, and others who are working towards prevention, education and/or care related to FGM/C. We made the conscious decision to become a member-based organization to ensure that our members will continue to have decision making power in our organization, including in our policy stances, strategic direction, and Steering Committee appointments. By design, we are led by and for the movement to end FGM/C.
Additionally, The Network is entirely led and run by women, including staff and Steering Committee members, and most of whom are from FGM/C impacted communities. The Network firmly believes that those most affected by FGM/C are the ones who are best equipped to lead the movement to end it.