The Her Horizon Fund was unveiled with an initial $15.5m (£11.4m) contribution intended to accelerate global efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM). Organisers say the initiative aims to build what they describe as “unstoppable momentum” toward the eventual eradication of a practice that has affected over 230 million women and girls worldwide.
The fund has set an ambitious target of raising $100m to sustain and scale programmes that prevent FGM and support survivors. Backers and campaigners argue that fresh, sizable philanthropic commitments are needed now as international donor funding has been shrinking, particularly for initiatives run by survivors and local community groups on the front line of this work.
Frontline activists and leaders in the fight against FGM welcomed the announcement, saying the injection of resources could bolster community-led prevention, protection and recovery services that have been hit hardest by funding shortfalls. Observers described the initial contribution as unprecedented, with some calling it the largest single philanthropic gift directed specifically at ending the practice.
The launch comes as advocates warn of growing pressures on women’s rights globally and call for sustained, long-term investment to change social norms, strengthen legal protections and expand survivor services. Supporters of the fund urged other donors — public and private — to join the effort, saying wider participation will be necessary to reach the $100m goal and to translate funding into measurable declines in FGM prevalence.
Campaigners say the next steps will involve channeling resources to grassroots organisations, expanding prevention education and improving access to health and psychosocial care for survivors. They also emphasised the importance of centring the voices and leadership of affected women and girls in the design and delivery of programmes, so that interventions reflect local contexts and needs.
Organisers did not disclose a detailed disbursement timetable at launch, but indicated that initial grants will focus on accelerating work already being led by survivors and community groups. As the Her Horizon Fund seeks additional donors, experts say transparency on funding allocation and impact measurement will be critical to maintaining momentum and demonstrating the effectiveness of the philanthropic intervention.