Influencing policy change is key to progress

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Dear John,

Womankind Worldwide is in her 35th year.

Over the last three decades, together with partners and with thanks to your support, we have implemented countless programmes across Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, on the dangers of harmful traditional practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

For years, Womankind has collaborated with women's rights organisations on projects that prioritise an end to these harmful traditional practices. Our collective efforts have raised awareness and supported survivors. They have provided spaces for women to become community ambassadors, challenging long-standing traditions and advocating for the rights of women and girls.

Our shifting approach

The big idea behind our Strategy to 2030 was that our focus would be shifting away from funding individual short-term projects towards strengthening the women’s movements that are pushing for long lasting and systemic change.

This doesn't mean we care less about ending FGM—in fact, it's quite the opposite. By empowering grassroots organisations through targeted grants and flexible funding, we can tackle issues like FGM more effectively, as well as other critical and interlinked issues.

Our new approach in action

An example of our new approach and how flexible funding is used to make a real difference can be seen though our partnership with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYWO).

MYWO applied for a grant from Her Voice Fund, our initiative that supports organisations to influence feminist policy change. MYWO wanted to input on the implementation of laws on FGM, gender-based violence (GBV), and education in Northern Uganda's Amudat District. With our support, MYWO drafted laws that were adopted locally and approved nationally, mandating school attendance for all children.

Through engaging community leaders and local government, MYWO identified FGM, child marriage, alcoholism, and adult illiteracy as key barriers to education and contributors to violence. Their engagement in the dialogue with lawmakers led to a powerful commitment to end harmful practices and promote education as an alternative rite of passage for girls.

Since the project began in 2022, there's been a significant rise in primary school enrolment in the district—a clear indicator of the positive impact of our shifting approach to working with our partner organisations.

Read more on Her Voice Fund on our website. ([link removed]) Learn how this flexible fund supports women’s rights organisations to bring about meaningful policy change at all levels.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we strive to achieve our feminist future.
Best wishes,

Faiza Ali
Her Voice Fund Manager
Womankind Worldwide


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Header image: Charity (right), acts as a mentor on the dangers of FGM to her friends in the Kween District, Eastern Uganda. Charity received training through a project funded by Womankind Worldwide and delivered by National Association of Women’s Organizations in Uganda (Credit: Esther Mbabazi)

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