What Works and What Does Not Work to End FGM: Evidence, Lessons, and Implications from TGG-ALM Programme in Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and Somaliland

Abstract

This learning brief synthesizes evidence, lessons, and policy implications from the endline evaluation of The Girl Generation: Support to the Africa-led Movement to End FGM (TGG-ALM) programme, implemented between 2021 and 2026 across Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and Somaliland. The evaluation, led by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), assessed the effectiveness of multi-level, community-driven interventions aimed at reducing female genital mutilation (FGM).Key strategies included girl-centred platforms, survivor leadership initiatives, community dialogues, integration of FGM prevention into health systems, small grants to local organizations, and strategic media engagement. The programme demonstrated significant gains in knowledge, agency, and opposition to FGM, particularly through empowering girls and survivors, fostering trusted community dialogues, and strengthening local organizational capacity. However, challenges persisted in translating increased awareness and agency into widespread norm change, especially in conservative contexts or where interventions did not reach remote or resistant groups.The brief highlights the importance of sustained, context-specific investment, multi-year support for local organizations, and the use of credible local messengers to drive norm change. It recommends balancing girl-centred approaches with safeguarding, embedding FGM prevention in health and education systems, and institutionalizing movement infrastructure for long-term impact. The findings underscore that while progress has been made, ending FGM at scale requires coordinated, multi-level strategies that address both individual agency and deeply rooted social and gender norms