Who we are
Our Story: Uniting for a Future Free from FGM
The Kenya CSO Network on Ending FGM was born out of a critical need to synchronize the efforts of civil society organizations across the country. Recognizing that FGM remains a deeply entrenched barrier to the realization of women’s and girls’ rights, our network serves as a unified national platform. By bridging the gap between national policy frameworks and community-led action, we act as a catalyst for sustainable, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based interventions.
The Network is currently convened by the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), a Kenyan feminist organization working to advance women’s rights and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. As convenor, COVAW provides strategic coordination and secretariat support to facilitate collaboration among member organizations and advance the Network’s collective priorities.
Our Vision
To lead a national movement where FGM is no longer practiced, ensuring every woman and girl in Kenya can live a life free from violence, discrimination, and harmful traditional practices.
Our Mission
To accelerate the eradication of FGM by fostering strategic partnerships, advocating for robust legislative accountability, and mobilizing grassroots action across Kenya’s 22 hotspot counties. We are committed to a survivor-centered approach that empowers communities to drive their own social change.
How We Operate: Our Technical Working Groups
We operate through four specialized Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to ensure our approach is holistic and impactful:
Research & Evidence: We generate and utilize localized data to understand FGM prevalence and determinants, ensuring our interventions are backed by facts.
Policy & Advocacy: We drive legislative change and hold duty-bearers accountable to the Prohibition Against FGM Act 2011, ensuring protection mechanisms are effective.
Community Engagement: We work directly with grassroots leaders and communities to utilize culturally sensitive approaches that challenge and shift deep-seated social norms.
Partnerships: We mobilize resources and foster cross-sector collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Anti-FGM Board, UN Women, UNFPA, and UNICEF.
Our Commitment to the Future
As we work toward our 2024–2030 roadmap, the CSO Network remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of the communities we serve. We believe that by working together—as a network of experts, activists, and advocates—we can turn the tide on FGM and secure a safer, more equitable future for the next generation.
