‘Ensure no girl is left behind’ Takeley campaigner for women’s rights Valerie Lolomari tells United Nations 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Women’s rights campaigner Valerie Lolomari advocated for survivor-led solutions when she took part in a United Nations conference in Spain.
Delegates at the UN 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, were told that at a time of rising debt, declining investment, shrinking aid and escalating trade tensions, sustainable development faces unprecedented headwinds.
Three billion people live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on health or education.
Takeley resident Valerie is the founder of Women of Grace, which supports survivors of sex-based violence. She has taken her campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM) around the world.
Globally, 230 million women and girls have undergone FGM, 30 million are expected to undergo it over the next four years and 44,000 women die because of it every year. That means one woman dies every 12 minutes.
Those who survive are left with psychological, physical and sexual damage. Many suffer complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Valerie, now a married mother of three, endured FGM in Lagos, Nigeria, where she was raised by her maternal grandmother.
She told the Indie: “I’m incredibly honoured to have participated in the United Nations 4th Conference on Finance and Development.
“Being part of this global gathering was not only a personal privilege, it was a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to centre the rights and dignity of girls and women in global financial and development conversations.
“This conference brought together world leaders, policymakers, civil society and front-line advocates to discuss how we can reimagine financial systems that truly serve people and the planet.
“I was proud to be there representing the voices and experiences of communities fighting against FGM and other harmful practices that continue to affect millions of girls worldwide.
“My presence was not just symbolic, it was strategic. I spoke up about the urgent need to finance grassroots movements, survivor-led solutions and community-based programmes that are making change from the ground up.
“Far too often, these critical efforts are underfunded or overlooked in global development agendas. I carried with me the stories and struggles of those working tirelessly on the front lines – and I made sure they were heard.”
Valerie added: “Finance is more than policy – it’s about priorities. It reflects what we value as a global community. And I will continue to advocate for financial decisions that prioritise health, safety, education and the full human rights of girls and women everywhere.
“Seville reminded me that transformation is possible when we work together across borders, across sectors and with a shared vision for justice. I return from this experience more committed than ever to driving change and ensuring that no girl is left behind.”
