By John Kariuki
Rosaline Gollo, HSC, has emerged as a leading voice in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), dedicating her life to protecting the rights of girls and young women. As the CEO and Founder of WASO HOPE, she has been at the forefront of advocacy, working tirelessly to eliminate this harmful practice and empower communities with sustainable solutions.
Her unwavering dedication has once again been recognized as WASO HOPE receives its 9th award—a powerful testament to the impact of her work. This recognition is more than just an accolade; it symbolizes the resilience, passion, and tireless advocacy that Rosaline and her team embody in their quest for justice.
Rosaline’s leadership has guided WASO HOPE from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force for change. The organization received its first grant from Options Consultancy in October 2022, a modest sum of Ksh 142,000. But under her visionary guidance, that small start ignited a movement—one that has since grown to secure support from five donors and continues to expand its reach.
With Merti located 230km from Isiolo, Rosaline and her team embarked on their journey with little more than faith and determination. At the time, their only tangible asset was an account under the name WASO HOPE—but today, the organization stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of girls and women.
Thanks to the support and training provided by Options Consultancy, ALM/TGG, and other partners, Rosaline has successfully led WASO HOPE to achieve remarkable progress in the fight against FGM. Under her stewardship, the organization has established effective monitoring and evaluation systems, expanded survivor networks, implemented sustainable safeguarding programs, and promoted community-driven solutions that have transformed lives.
Her ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire has been central to the organization’s continued success. Through resilience and collaboration, Rosaline has built a legacy that is reshaping the future for girls at risk of FGM.
This latest award is not just for Rosaline—it is for every girl who now has the chance to dream, learn, and thrive without fear. It is for every activist, donor, and supporter who believes in the power of change. She extends her heartfelt appreciation to ALM/TGG for believing in her vision, ActionAid for their continued commitment to ending FGM, Options Consultancy for their invaluable training and resources, and her fellow grantees for standing together in this fight for justice.
As WASO HOPE celebrates this milestone, Rosaline remains steadfast in her mission: to see a world where no girl is subjected to FGM. Her journey is proof that change is possible—with courage, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
