Her Horizon Fund launches $15.5 million to combat female genital mutilation

Frontline activists and leaders in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) have welcomed the launch of the Horizon Fund, an unprecedented philanthropic initiative that includes a $15.5 million (£11.4 million) contribution aimed at creating “unstoppable momentum” to end the practice. The fund, which seeks to raise a total of $100 million, targets the eradication of FGM—a procedure that has affected more than 230 million women and girls worldwide—and arrives at a time when donor funding for women’s‑rights work, especially projects led by FGM survivors in local communities, is in sharp decline.

The Horizon Fund is reported to be the largest single philanthropic contribution dedicated to ending FGM, signaling a renewed commitment from the international community amid growing attacks on women’s rights. By channeling resources into survivor‑led initiatives and community‑based programs, the fund aims to accelerate prevention, support services, and advocacy efforts. If successful, the $100 million target could significantly bolster global strategies to eliminate FGM and provide a sustainable financial base for ongoing anti‑FGM campaigns.