Sema Gornall to move forward from being the CEO of Vavengers
After 5 years leading The Vavengers as our Chief Executive Officer, Sema Gornall will be moving forward at the end of 2026. Sema’s leadership made the start-up charity a globally recognised campaigning and convening organisation while also growing its deep roots in frontline support work. Her influence and work, building on the existing values of The Vavengers, turned us into a powerhouse with allies and supporters globally. Her legacy will continue to have a positive impact not only on The Vavengers but also on the wider gender-equality movement.
Sema built systems for survivor activists to be platformed nationally and globally while utilising the power of strong partnerships with extraordinary pro bono support driven to our cause.
With a business model of six-to seven-figure gifts in kind each year since she became our CEO, Sema is leaving behind an incredible workforce from legal, financial and management consultancy firms, supporting our movement. Sema also built the charity’s flagship ambassadorship model, providing support, platforming, access, leadership opportunities and care to survivors of Gender-Based Violence, decolonising structures that worked against survivors.
Sema’s work built significant ties between sectors, enabled equality that works for everyone within our movement, drove legislative and practical policies, and mobilised resources from all sources.
Sema Gornall, Chief Executive Officer of The Vavengers, said:
“My time here made me grow so much, while I also grew a led-by-and-for movement with allyship at heart. I built trust and equity-based relationships and am grateful for everyone who consistently said yes and stayed open-minded about new possibilities and what our world can look like if we come together on a shared mission. I feel proud to have led this organisation and look forward to being an active ally and supporter of the gender-equity movement.”
The Board of Trustees said:
“The Board of The Vavengers would like to state its profound appreciation for Sema and the exceptional work she has undertaken at the charity over the last five years. It goes without saying that The Vavengers will miss not just a leader of such calibre, but a person for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection. Sema’s incredible achievements speak for themselves. She departs, leaving The Vavengers as a globally recognised organisation, committed to supporting frontline work. It is testament to Sema’s professionalism and ongoing commitment to The Vavengers that we are in such a strong position financially and strategically, which allows us to continue business as usual for the remainder of her tenure (December 2026) and while we search for new leadership.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to record our gratitude to Sema for everything she has done for The Vavengers. Thank you, Sema – and, when the time comes, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
A Patron of the charity said:
“It is rare to find an individual with such passion, drive and commitment as Sema. The Vavengers have been very lucky to depend upon her many skills in taking this wonderful, change-making charity from strong foundations to a new level. Under Sema, The Vavengers have become the leading voice in the urgent mission to end FGM, here and around the world. The first UK Government FGM Summit, signed off by Ministers in Spring 2026, was forged and led by Sema. We are all in her debt, and we wish Sema good fortune as she moves on to her next venture with our thanks and admiration.” - Sir Max Hill KCB KC (Director of Public Prosecutions for England & Wales 2018-23)
The Board of Trustees will begin implementing a robust succession plan, appropriately responding to the strong and significant leadership we have had from our CEO. Plans for 2027 and forward will be shared at the charity’s next AGM in November 2026.