A staggering 4.5 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in 2026 alone. Many of these children are under five years old. Today, over 230 million women and girls already live with the lifelong physical and mental scars of this practice.
On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, UN leaders issued a joint call to action. They reaffirmed their commitment to every girl at risk. They also pledged to support survivors with essential services. The message remains clear: FGM is a human rights violation that no grounds can justify.
Progress at a Critical Crossroad
Efforts over the last three decades are showing real impact. Public opinion is shifting. Nearly two-thirds of people in prevalent countries now support ending the practice. Progress has actually accelerated in recent years.
In 1990, one in two girls underwent FGM. Today, that number has dropped to one in three. Half of all progress since 1990 occurred in just the last ten years. However, we must build on this momentum to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending FGM by 2030.
The Economic and Human Cost
FGM inflicts serious complications on girls and women. Consequently, the global cost of treating these health issues reaches US$ 1.4 billion every year.
Investing in prevention is not just a moral duty; it is economically smart. Every dollar spent on ending FGM yields a tenfold return. For example, an investment of 2.8billiondollars could prevent 20million cases.This would generate roughly 28 billion dollars in investment returns, says a Joint statement by the UNFPA, UNICEF, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women, WHO and UNESCO on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
What Works: Strategies for Change
The UN statement highlights proven strategies to end the practice. Success requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Education: Strengthening both formal and community-based health education.
- Engagement: Involving religious leaders, parents, and community influencers.
- Media: Using traditional and social media to amplify prevention messages.
- Support: Providing survivors with legal aid, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
New Challenges Threaten the 2030 Goal
Despite past successes, current gains are in danger. Global investment is waning. Funding cuts in health and education are already slowing prevention efforts.
Furthermore, a systematic pushback is growing. Some dangerous arguments suggest FGM is acceptable if performed by medical professionals. UN leaders strongly reject this “medicalisation.” Without predictable financing, community programmes may be scaled back. This risks reversing decades of progress at a critical moment.
Q&A: The Fight to End FGM
What is the target date to end FGM globally?
The United Nations aims to eliminate female genital mutilation by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
How many people currently live with the consequences of FGM?
More than 230 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the lifelong effects of the practice.
Is the practice becoming less common?
Yes. The number of girls subjected to FGM has dropped from one in two in 1990 to one in three today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is FGM considered a human rights violation?
It compromises the physical and mental health of girls and women. It is a form of violence that causes lifelong suffering and has no medical justification.
Q: How much does it cost to treat the consequences of FGM?
Global treatment costs are estimated at US$ 1.4 billion annually.
Q: What is “medicalisation” in the context of FGM?
It is the harmful argument that the practice is acceptable if carried out by doctors or health workers. UN leaders state this remains a violation of human rights regardless of who performs it.
Q: Who issued the joint statement for the International Day of Zero Tolerance?
The leaders of UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Human Rights, UN Women, WHO, and UNESCO issued the statement together.
Q: How can we prevent 20 million cases of FGM?
An investment of US$ 2.8 billion is needed to fund the programmes necessary to prevent these cases.