Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a grave violation of human rights. It causes deep, lasting damage to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of girls and women. This harmful practice affects over 230 million women and girls today. Without immediate action, it could impact 27 million more by 2030.
On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the theme “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation” urges everyone to renew global efforts. UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO are united. They reaffirm their commitment to eliminate FGM. They work closely with governments and local communities to end the practice for good.
PROGRESS AND HOPE: SIGNS OF CHANGE
Despite the challenges, there is reason for hope. Countries like Kenya and Uganda have shown promising progress in reducing female genital mutilation rates. Through community-driven initiatives and strong alliances, these nations are proving that change is possible. Collective action is key to accelerating this positive trend.
MILESTONES ACHIEVED: IMPACT OF THE JOINT PROGRAMME
The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM, launched in 2008, has been instrumental in driving change. The program, in collaboration with WHO, has helped nearly 7 million girls and women access prevention and protection services. Additionally, 48 million individuals have publicly pledged to abandon FGM, and 220 million people have been reached through media campaigns.
In the past two years alone, over 12,000 grassroots organizations have rallied together. Also, 112,000 frontline workers have joined them. They are making a significant impact at the community level in ending female genital mutilation.
CHALLENGES REMAIN: THREATS TO PROGRESS
However, the fight to end FGM is far from over. Progress is fragile in countries like The Gambia where female genital mutilation is still a threat. Efforts to repeal the ban on FGM persist. Such setbacks threaten the hard-won gains of the past and could severely compromise the health, rights, and dignity of future generations of girls and women.
ONLY SEVEN COUNTRIES ON TRACK TO MEET SDG TARGETS
Out of 31 countries where FGM prevalence data is available, only seven are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030. The current pace of progress is too slow, and urgent action is needed to meet this critical target.
A CALL FOR GREATER ALLIANCES AND ACCOUNTABILITY
To accelerate progress, stronger alliances among leaders, grassroots organizations, and sectors like health, education, and social protection are essential. Continuous advocacy and expanding social movements—centered on the voices of girls and survivors—are key to maintaining momentum.
Moreover, accountability is crucial. Governments and organizations must ensure that their commitments to human rights are upheld, and that policies protecting girls from female genital mutilation are fully implemented. Survivors must also have access to justice, care, and support.
INVESTMENT IN PROVEN SOLUTIONS
To create lasting change, increased investment in scaling up proven interventions against female genital mutilation is required. The contributions of donors and partners have been invaluable in supporting this cause, but more is needed to reach the millions of girls at risk.
COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Ending FGM is a global responsibility. We must unite our efforts to ensure every girl is protected and can live free from harm. The time to act is now. Let’s step up the pace and finish the work we’ve started to end female genital mutilation once and for all.
