Eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM), which leaves millions of girls and women with lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars, has led to a global call for collective action from health organizations.
By 2030, an estimated 27 million more girls will be affected if the issue is ignored.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reaffirmed their commitment to halting this harmful practice, describing it as a violation of human rights.
A report noted that more than 230 million girls and women are currently suffering from the consequences of this practice.
In commemoration of February 6, marking International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, themed “Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,” the organizations have renewed their call for an end to FGM.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
In a joint statement, the health organizations expressed optimism, highlighting a significant decline in the practice in some countries, such as Kenya and Uganda.
This progress has been credited to collective actions and community-led initiatives driven by strengthened alliances and movement-building efforts.
Since the launch of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme and WHO’s involvement in 2008, over 7 million girls and women have accessed prevention and protection services, while 48 million individuals have publicly declared the abandonment of the practice.
Recounting their achievements, the organizations reported that 220 million people have been reached through mass media campaigns.
“In the last two years, close to 12,000 grassroots organizations and 112,000 community and frontline workersgalvanized to effect change at this critical juncture,” the statement read.
However, progress remains fragile. Last year, the Gambian parliament attempted to revoke the ban on FGM but rejected the motion. The organizations warned that reversing progress could have severe consequences for future generations.
“Such efforts could gravely undermine the rights, health, and dignity of girls and women, jeopardizing the tireless work done over decades to change attitudes and mobilize communities,” they cautioned.
According to collected data, out of 31 countries, only seven are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target for eliminating FGM by 2030. Urgent action is required to end this harmful practice.
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To be effective, stronger alliances among leaders, grassroots organizations, and various sectors—including health, education, and social protection—are essential, alongside increased advocacy and support for survivor centers.
According to WHO, accountability at all levels is crucial to ensuring that human rights commitments are upheld and that policies and strategies are implemented to protect girls at risk while providing care and justice for survivors.
” It also requires increased investment in scaling up proven interventions. We are indebted to generous donors and partners who are supporting this life-changing work and call on others to join them.
The organizations emphasized, “We all have a role to play to ensure that every girl is protected and can live free from harm. Let’s step up the pace and act with urgency. The time to end female genital mutilation is now.”
