Kenya · Ethiopia · Somalia | 2026 – 2030
End FGM and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
Every year, millions of girls in East Africa are at risk of female genital mutilation and child marriage. Future 4 Binti (F4B) is a five-year commitment to change that — with communities, not for them.
How we create change
Meet the Changemakers
3Countries
5Years
€50MProgramme funding
4Programme pathways
Photo: Sosha Duysker · Kajiado, 2025
Why Future 4 Binti
In many communities, FGM/C and child, early and forced marriage are deeply rooted in social norms and traditions. Families often face strong pressure to conform, even when they understand the risks.
Although important progress has been made in recent years, millions of girls remain at risk. Poverty, conflict, migration and climate-related crises can increase the likelihood that girls are married off early or subjected to FGM/C.
Future 4 Binti builds on Amref’s long-standing experience in preventing FGM/C and promoting girls’ rights. Together with local partners, governments and communities, we work towards lasting change that comes from within.
Our approach
Four connected pathways — from the household to the statute book.
Lasting change starts within communities themselves. We work closely with parents, elders, religious leaders, teachers, young people and community organizations to challenge harmful beliefs and encourage dialogue about the rights, health and future of girls.
Girls and young women are supported to become leaders and advocates for change in their own communities.
Local organisations know their communities best. They understand the culture, speak the language and have earned the trust of local people.
That is why Future 4 Binti places local organisations at the centre of the programme — Amref supports them with funding, training and technical expertise so they can lead sustainable change long after the programme has ended.
Girls at risk of FGM/C or child marriage need access to protection and support. Healthcare workers receive training to prevent harmful practices, identify girls at risk and provide quality medical and psychosocial care to survivors.
In remote areas, mobile outreach teams bring services closer to communities that are otherwise difficult to reach.
Future 4 Binti works closely with governments, civil society organisations and community leaders to strengthen the implementation of laws that protect girls from FGM/C and child marriage.
We support stronger protection systems, better reporting mechanisms and improved accountability so that girls’ rights are respected and protected.
Where we work
Future 4 Binti’s areas of implementation across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Boundaries: Natural Earth. Points indicative.
33Implementation areas
7Cross-border districts
16 woredas
Regions
Clusters include Dubti & Assayta, Dangla, Kewet & Shewarobit, Awbare–Togochale, Gursum, and Yabelo–Moyale.
10 counties
Amref-led
Plan International-led
7 locations
Spanning Somaliland and south-central Somalia.
When laws are enforced more strictly in one country, some families travel across borders. By working simultaneously in all three countries — and along the corridors between them — protection does not stop at national borders.
Meet the team
Governance, coordination and delivery — each with a distinct question to answer.
“Are we doing the right things?”
The PSC is the highest governance body of Future 4 Binti. It provides strategic oversight, risk governance and approval of major programme changes. It comprises voting members drawn from the three country teams, civil society and youth representation, supported by non-voting technical and donor advisors.
Muna Hussein
Permanent Chair
Project Manager, Plan International Somalia
Viola Rutto
Co-Chair (rotating)
Kenya Country Programme Manager, Amref
Mesfin Ayeta
Co-Chair (rotating)
Ethiopia Programme Lead, Amref
Nakululombe Kwendeni
Technical Director, RMNCAH
Amref Health Africa HQ · holds veto
Catherine Mootian
CSO Representative — Kenya
Afya Afrika
Yeshitila Hailu
CSO Representative — Ethiopia
Youth Network for Sustainable Development
Ridwan Sugal
CSO Representative — Somalia
Youth Advisory Group
Miski Omar Ali
Youth Representative
Youth Advisory Group
Susan Githaiga
Secretary to the PSC
Programme Director, Future 4 Binti
EKN Representative
Strategic Advisor
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
CCU Technical Leads
Ex-officio
Technical evidence and analysis to inform decisions
“How do we deliver the strategy?”
The CCU turns strategy into delivery. It holds programme management, planning, coordination, technical support and reporting across the three countries, and prepares the evidence base on which the Steering Committee makes its decisions.
Susan Githaiga
Programme Director
Overall programme leadership
Joseph Onyango
Finance Manager
Financial management and controls
Joram Ndirangu
Senior Grants Officer
Grants and sub-award management
David Mitine
Communications Lead
Communications, visibility and advocacy
Nicholas Kiambi
Operations & Administration
Operations and programme administration
Sylvia Masese
Research Associate
Research, evidence and learning
Tisha King
Research Associate
Research, evidence and learning
“How do we implement effectively?”
The PITs are closest to the girls and communities the programme serves. They lead day-to-day implementation, community engagement, CSO coordination and activity delivery in each country — working with local partners who know their communities best.
Viola Rutto
Kenya Country Programme Manager
Amref Health Africa Kenya
Mesfin Ayeta
Ethiopia Programme Lead
Amref Health Africa Ethiopia
Muna Hussein
Project Manager
Plan International Somalia
Fahmi Mohamed
Project Officer
Plan International Somalia
Stories
Field stories, profiles and programme news from across the three countries.
SomaliaAwdal, Somaliland
A relative was certain that marrying girls early was the way to keep them safe. Rather than argue, Hibak talked about school, health and what delay makes possible.
Read the full profile →
SomaliaAwdal, Somaliland
After one awareness session, a family decided not to marry off their daughters. For Rahma, that was proof the work moves.
Read the full profile →
SomaliaWajaale, Gabiley
A parent came to a community discussion unconvinced, understood the risks of FGM/C, and left promising to protect their daughters.
Read the full profile →
Photographed at the Champions of Change training of trainers, Safaari Hotel, Borama, Somaliland · 12–16 July 2026.
Champion of Change
Awdal, Somaliland
Real change doesn’t always happen instantly. Sometimes the first step is simply planting a seed.
What made you decide to become a Champion of Change?
I chose to become a Champion of Change because I believe lasting change begins with people who are willing to challenge harmful norms and lead by example. I wanted to strengthen my knowledge and skills so I could become a more effective advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment and positive social change.
For me, being a Champion of Change is not just about attending a training — it’s about taking responsibility, using my voice to inspire others, and working with my community to create a future where everyone, especially girls and young women, has equal opportunities to thrive. I believe that even small actions, when taken consistently, can create meaningful and lasting impact.
What is one moment where you saw a family or community member change their mind about FGM/C or child marriage?
One moment I clearly remember was during a conversation with a relative about child marriage. At first they believed that marrying girls early was the best way to protect them and secure their future. Instead of arguing, I shared what I had learned about the importance of education, the health risks of early pregnancy, and how delaying marriage can create better opportunities for girls.
By the end of the conversation they didn’t completely change their opinion, but they admitted they had never considered those impacts before. They said they would think more carefully before supporting early marriage, and would encourage girls in the family to finish their education first.
That experience reminded me that real change doesn’t always happen instantly. Sometimes the first step is simply planting a seed that encourages people to question long-held beliefs and become more open to change.
What is the hardest part of this work, and what keeps you going?
The hardest part of this work is that changing attitudes and social norms takes time. Many people have grown up believing that practices like FGM/C or child marriage are normal, so change doesn’t happen after just one conversation.
What keeps me going is the belief that every conversation matters. Even small changes in awareness can lead to bigger changes over time. Knowing that I can help create a safer and more equal future for girls and young people motivates me to continue.
What would you say to a girl in your community who is worried about her future right now?
I would tell her that her dreams and her voice matter, even if things feel difficult right now. I would encourage her not to lose hope, to continue her education if possible, and to seek support from trusted family members, teachers or community leaders.
I would remind her that she is not alone, and that her future should be shaped by her own potential, not by fear or harmful expectations. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and make informed decisions about her life — and I would encourage her to believe in herself and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Photographed at the Champions of Change training of trainers, Safaari Hotel, Borama, Somaliland · 12–16 July 2026
Champion of Change
Awdal, Somaliland
It gave me hope that change is possible.
What made you decide to become a Champion of Change?
I decided to become a Champion of Change because I want to make a positive difference in my community. I believe every girl deserves to grow up safe, healthy, educated and free from harmful practices such as FGM/C and child marriage.
What is one moment where you saw a family or community member change their mind about FGM/C or child marriage?
One of the memorable moments for me was when a family decided not to marry off their daughters after attending our awareness session. They understood the importance of education and protecting her future. It gave me hope that change is possible.
What is the hardest part of this work, and what keeps you going?
I think the hardest part is changing long-held beliefs and traditions. However, seeing people change their norms and attitudes, and knowing that I am helping protect girls’ rights, motivates me to keep going.
What would you say to a girl in your community who is worried about her future right now?
I would tell her to believe in herself and never give up on her dreams. She has the right to education, safety and a bright future. With confidence, determination and support, she can achieve her goals.
Photographed at the Champions of Change training of trainers, Safaari Hotel, Borama, Somaliland · 12–16 July 2026
Champion of Change
Wajaale, Gabiley
Your voice matters. Stay in school, believe in yourself.
What made you decide to become a Champion of Change?
I wanted to help protect girls and promote positive change in my community. I also wanted to encourage young people to speak against harmful practices.
What is one moment where you saw a family or community member change their mind about FGM/C or child marriage?
After a community discussion, a parent understood the risks of FGM/C and promised to protect their daughters. This showed me that respectful conversations can change people’s attitudes.
What is the hardest part of this work, and what keeps you going?
Changing long-held beliefs is difficult, but seeing people support girls’ rights motivates me. Every small change gives me hope to continue.
What would you say to a girl in your community who is worried about her future right now?
Your voice matters. Stay in school, believe in yourself, and seek support from people you trust. You have the right to make decisions about your future.
Photographed at the Champions of Change training of trainers, Safaari Hotel, Borama, Somaliland · 12–16 July 2026
A future where every girl is safe
A commitment to a future in which every girl can stay in school, make decisions about her own life and realise her full potential. Together with communities, partners and supporters, we are working towards a world where harmful practices no longer stand in the way of girls’ rights, health and opportunities.
Because we must not stop until every girl is safe.
Key facts