I am supposed to be in the room.

In April 2026, I have been invited to attend the Women Deliver Conference in Melbourne, one of the world’s most important global gatherings on gender equality. This is where decisions are shaped, partnerships are formed, and priorities that affect millions of women and girls are influenced.

For me, this is not just another conference. I am a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM), and for over 30 years, I have dedicated my life to ending violence against women and girls. Through my work with A Girl At A Time Sierra Leone, I have worked directly with communities, supported survivors, and challenged the systems that allow harmful practices to continue.

I have stood in villages, in schools, and in global forums, carrying the voices of girls who are too often unheard.

I have been here before. I was previously awarded a scholarship to attend Women Deliver, and I know firsthand the importance of being present in rooms like this.

This year, I was again supported. But due to recent funding cuts, that support has fallen through.

My registration is already paid. What I do not have, with only weeks to go, is the funding to cover my flights, accommodation, and basic expenses.

Since sharing my story, something has shifted. Two people stepped forward. £400 has already been raised through individual donations. I am deeply grateful.

It means I am not starting from zero.

But I still need to raise £3,000 to make this possible.

I have reached out to many organisations working in the FGM and gender equality space.

I have not received responses. So I am turning to community.

Because this is bigger than me.

Right now, progress on ending FGM is under threat. In Sierra Leone, up to 80–90% of women and girls are affected. Across parts of Africa, there are growing efforts to roll back protections for girls.

At a time like this, survivor-led voices should not be missing from global conversations.

But too often, when funding disappears, so do the people closest to the issue.

This fundraiser is about making sure that does not happen.

I am now seeking to raise £3,000 to cover:

• Return flights from London to Melbourne

• Accommodation during the conference

• Basic travel and living costs

If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, you are helping ensure that the realities faced by girls and women on the ground are represented where global decisions are made.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is also a powerful way to support.

I will carry your support with me into that room.

And I will make sure those voices are heard.

Thank you for standing with me.

Alimatu Dimonekene MBE - Survivor and advocate