Wallace Global Fund Launches New Initiative to Combat FGM/C with Largest Philanthropic Commitment

A Landmark Initiative to End FGM/C

On September 2, 2026, a significant new fund aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) was unveiled during the Justice for Girls Global Convening in Naivasha, Kenya. This gathering brought together 150 leaders from the movement against FGM/C across 36 countries. Titled Her Horizon Fund, this initiative represents a milestone in philanthropic efforts to support frontline organizations engaged in the fight against FGM/C, fueled by an initial investment of $14 million from the Wallace Global Fund.

Background and Commitment

Founded in dedication to human rights, the Wallace Global Fund has prioritized the fight against FGM/C since its inception. At the launching event, H. Scott Wallace, co-chair of the fund's Board of Directors, shared the legacy of his mother, Gordie Wallace, who has spent nearly five decades raising awareness and mobilizing support against this critical issue. The fund aims to collect $100 million from various donors to create a sustainable impact and drive toward the end of FGM/C within a generation.

The Importance of Her Horizon Fund

In a backdrop where donor funding for humanitarian causes is declining, Her Horizon Fund acts as a vital response to the current financial gap. Traditional sources of funding have been diminished, with bilateral aid budgets scaling back significantly. This new initiative is designed to ensure that support reaches those on the ground, particularly organizations run by survivors and activists deeply invested in the cause.

Scott Fitzmorris, co-chair of the Wallace Global Fund, emphasized that sustained investment is essential for the movement to gain traction: “We invite other donors to join us to make a definitive change towards ending FGM/C.” This statement underscores the collaborative effort needed across various sectors to effect meaningful change.

Voices from the Ground

The fund has been shaped through extensive consultations with survivors, activists, and donors. Ifrah Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Ifrah Foundation, which works to eliminate FGM in Somalia, hailed the new fund as a crucial element for frontline organizations. Her commitment to advancing the abandonment of FGM reflects the very purpose of Her Horizon Fund: to empower those who know best what it takes to foster change.

Global Scope and Urgent Need

FGM/C is a pervasive issue, affecting over 230 million women and girls globally, including 144 million in Africa and 80 million in Asia. The practice, which can result in severe health complications and is often a leading cause of death in regions where it occurs, must be addressed not only through awareness but through immediate, funded action. Although efforts to eliminate FGM/C are enshrined in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the current financial misalignment poses a significant challenge to activists on the ground.

Launching with Momentum

The choice of the Justice for Girls convening as a launch site for Her Horizon Fund symbolizes the commitment to collective action and shared strategies. Organizers, such as Mariya Taher of Sahiyo, highlighted the gathering as an opportunity to foster ongoing progress in activism against FGM/C. The fund is poised to maintain this momentum and further enable organizations to work tirelessly long after the convening wraps up.

Future Directions

Her Horizon Fund will be managed by Women Win, a women-focused fund based in the Netherlands, and will kick off its grant-making operations in 2027. As the fund gears up to engage with local organizations and movement leaders, the anticipation grows for what this substantial infusion of capital will mean for those on the forefront of combating FGM/C.

For more information on the initiative and how to get involved or support, you can visit www.herhorizonfund.org.

About Wallace Global Fund

Founded by former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace, the Wallace Global Fund champions movements advocating for human rights, democracy, and environmental protection. The fight against FGM/C has been a critical priority since the fund's inception.

About Women Win

Women Win, hosting Her Horizon Fund, is dedicated to empowering girls and women worldwide to fully exercise their rights, ensuring a future where gender equality is realized.