This report documents major achievements and innovations in 2014, the initial year of Phase II of the Joint Programme, with a focus on three major outcome areas:

• Improved policy and legal environments for the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM)

• Increased quality of related health-care, protection, legal and social services

• Increased acceptance of the elimination of the social norm upholding FGM.

Of particular note in 2014 was the emergence of empowered young people as a bold, dynamic and growing force for change. This report celebrates their energy, commitment and courage. To that end, quotes and stories (from Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda) are woven through the report, highlighting the powerful contributions of young people. The report also takes the example of Kenya to demonstrate how all of the Joint Programme's strategic approaches can work together to accelerate change.

The year also saw the expansion of the Joint Programme to include Nigeria and Yemen, bringing the total number of programme countries to 17.