A coalition of activists and global leaders has introduced a $15.5 million fund dedicated to the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM). The practice, which the United Nations estimates has impacted over 230 million women and girls globally, remains a significant human rights challenge. Organizers describe the initiative as a move to create 'unstoppable momentum' toward the UN’s goal of eliminating the practice entirely.

The launch of this fund arrives at a time when advocates report a notable decrease in international donor support for women's rights initiatives. By focusing resources on frontline activists and survivors, the fund seeks to empower local communities to lead the push for change. While the UN has established a formal target for the elimination of FGM, the new funding is intended to bridge the gap between current efforts and the resources required to meet that objective. This contribution is being characterized by organizers as the largest single philanthropic effort of its kind to date. The initiative highlights the ongoing tension between the scale of the practice and the fluctuating availability of global financial support for grassroots human rights work.