Title : Building a Stronger FGM Response: Insights from the IPPF Baseline Survey
Overview:
Since 2023, IPPF has significantly strengthened its efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through the establishment of a Center of Excellence based in Mauritania. Currently, IPPF has developed a comprehensive Theory of Change, a robust framework, and a detailed set of indicators to guide FGM-related work. All these resources are accessible on the IPPF SharePoint platform and can be reached through regional offices.
To ensure accurate and consistent data collection on the work of Member Associations (MAs) related to FGM, a baseline survey was conducted in late 2024. This survey aimed to establish reference points for each indicator, enabling effective monitoring of FGM programs and ongoing efforts by each MAs and CPs. A total of 27 MAs/CPs participated in this survey. Our broader objective is to engage all partners and MAs involved in FGM work worldwide, across 92 countries.
Goal:
This webinar aims to highlight the challenges faced by MAs in data collection, based on the survey responses, and to provide support and guidance for improving data quality and reporting.
Agenda:
- Introduction to the FGM Center of Excellence and IPPF’s FGM indicators (20 minutes)
- Presentation of baseline survey findings on indicators (30 minutes)
- Discussion of data collection challenges with case studies from Indonesia, Sierra Leone, and Somaliland (10 minutes each)
- Collaborative session to identify and agree on solutions (20 minutes)
- Closing remarks and scheduling the next meeting (10 minutes)
| Photo | Full name & Position & Org. | Profile |
| Speaker: Rania Abu Elhassan MA Support and Development Director IPPF AWR Tunisia | Dr. Rania holds two advanced medical degrees, in medicine and public health, as well as two international academic diplomas, in humanitarian assistance and gender advocacy. With expertise spanning various fields in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Regions, she has a track record of achievements in sexual and reproductive health, gender, protection, and human rights programs and projects, amassing nearly 25 years of rich experience with reputable global organizations, including UN agencies in development, natural disasters, and conflict zones. She is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) and a certified trainer of trainers for several international organizations, such as the United Nations and three reputable universities in Canada, the USA, and the Netherlands. Dr. Rania is recognized for her strong leadership and effective communication skills, which have enabled her to advise senior management on various issues, lead donor meetings, resolve conflicts, and build successful teams. Her background and practice in community programming have benefitted from her professional counseling skills, allowing her to guide group participants in reaching their goals and making informed decisions. | |
| Speaker: Zeinebou Dioum Coordinator of the Center of Excellence Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) AMPF Mauritania | Zeinebou Dioum is currently the Coordinator of the Center of Excellence Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a global reference center established by IPPF and hosted by the Association Mauritanienne pour la Promotion de la Famille (AMPF) in Nouakchott, Mauritania. In this role, she leads strategic efforts to combat FGM through coordination, advocacy, and technical support. With a Master’s in Telecom & Network Engineering, she began her career in the ICT sector before moving into humanitarian work with the World Food Programme and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Zeinebou brings expertise in Monitoring & Evaluation, protection, partnership management, and migration. A certified M&E professional (ITILCO), she is dedicated to data-driven, rights-based approaches that strengthen protection systems and support survivors of GBV and harmful practices. | |
| Speaker: Mouhamed Khandouch Performance Learning & Impact Senior Adviser IPPF AWR Tunisia | Mohamed khandouch is a seasoned expert in data management systems with extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) data and Clinical Management Information Systems(CMIS). Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in designing, deploying, and optimizing SRH-related information systems across multiple Member Associations (MAs) in the Arab region and West Africa. His work has significantly contributed to improving data-driven decision-making, program monitoring, and service delivery quality in diverse operational contexts. Mohamed brings a deep understanding of digital health solutions tailored to development and humanitarian settings, making him a valuable contributor to regional and international efforts to strengthen health systems through evidence-based approaches. | |
| Guest: Amal Ahmed Executive Director Somaliland Family Health Association (SOFHA) | Amal Ahmed serves as the Executive Director of the Somaliland Family Health Association (SOFHA), an IPPF Member Association delivering rights-based sexual and reproductive health services in Somaliland. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Amal has helped guide SOFHA’s collective efforts to address FGM through integrated service delivery, community engagement, and advocacy. SOFHA’s work on FGM has included community-led research, collaboration with government institutions and religious leaders, and the use of data to inform programming. With the support of dedicated teams and partners, the organization has contributed to shifting social norms and strengthening the national conversation on FGM abandonment. Amal represents an organization-wide commitment to locally rooted, evidence-based approaches, and brings to this webinar insights shaped by years of community engagement for lasting impact and change. | |
| Idrissa A. Conteh Project Coordinator for the Foundations Project Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leaone | Idrissa Conteh is a seasoned professional working with the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), with extensive experience in managing and implementing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) programs and projects. He currently oversees a major SRH initiative funded by Save the Children International, titled “Strengthening Adolescent Girls’ Sexual and Reproductive Health.” The project is being implemented across forty communities in Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone, and includes a strong advocacy component addressing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Idrissa’s commitment to youth-centered approaches is further reflected in his recent abstract, “Making Adolescents the Channel to Facilitate Positive Change About Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Their Communities,” which has been accepted for poster presentation at the upcoming International Conference on Family Planning, scheduled for 3–6 November 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia. | |
| Guest: Heny Widyaningrum IPPA National Coordinator, Reproductive Health Services Program Indonesia | Heny Widyaningrum is a seasoned public health professional supporting Indonesia Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) as the National Coordinator for Reproductive Health Services. She has over two decades of experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), humanitarian response, and gender-based violence (GBV) programming. She works closely with her team in advancing national advocacy and campaign efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Indonesia, leading the most recent NORAD funded project supported by IPPF ESEAOR and AWR, in collaboration with Malaysian Doctors for Women and Children. Her work bridges community-based service delivery and high-level policy engagement, with a strong focus on gender equality, youth engagement, and inclusive health systems. Heny has also contributed to various national guidelines on SRHR and FGM, and regularly serves as a trainer and speaker on GBV, safeguarding, and humanitarian health responses. |
