Patterns of Hope:

Inside the Movement to End FGM

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. In partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA leads the largest global programme to accelerate the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM) in 18 countries across Africa and Asia.

Launched in 2008, the Joint Programme fosters collaborative action to shift underlying social norms within affected communities by building movements and strengthening systems in partnership with governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

About the Artist

Thandiwe Muriu's work takes you on a vibrant journey through her world as a modern woman living in Kenya, reinterpreting contemporary African portraiture and presenting a bold vision of women's autonomy. With surreal illusions that are not digital manipulations but pure photography, she explores identity and self-perception while redefining female empowerment by using such materials as fabric and common household items.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, the self-taught Thandiwe began experimenting with her father's Nikon camera at 14 and was working professionally by 17.

Her works have been acquired by numerous public and private collections. She has been commissioned to create works for Apple, Dior, Lavazza and the Swiss Red Cross among others. Thandiwe opened her first solo show in Paris in October 2023. In 2024, she released her first book, Camo, and took part in the Venice Biennale.

About the
Photography

N&W Studios, founded by creative director Christina Nwabugo and creative producer Waliu Adeleke, creates purposeful, compassionate work that seeks to amplify the voices of change-makers and sheds light on vital social issues taking place in every corner of Africa.

Specializing in photography and film across the continent, the studio focuses on telling authentic stories about the environment, culture and the resilience of women. By collaborating with the local population and embracing diverse narratives, N&W Studios ensures a thoughtful and impactful gaze in global media campaigns. Their creative journeys champion inclusivity, foster positive representation and celebrate the beauty and relevance of Africa’s stories on a global scale.

Take Action

Join us now to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and change the future for girls and women. Thanks to the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM, 162,044 girls aged 0 to 14 years were protected from undergoing the harmful practice in 2023, while 903,734 girls and women received prevention and protection services. But there is much more to be done: An estimated 27 million girls are at risk in the next five years. It takes $95 to prevent one girl from undergoing the procedure. You can make a donation – and a difference – here.

Patterns of Hope: Inside the movement to end female genital mutilation