UN Leaders Stress Need for Ongoing Commitment to End Female Genital Mutilation

On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a joint statement from high-ranking officials of UN agencies, including UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO, highlighted the troubling statistics regarding FGM. An alarming estimate of 4.5 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM in 2026 alone, many of whom are under the age of five. Additionally, over 230 million women and girls are currently living with the lifelong impacts of this practice.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the UN leaders to eradicate FGM for every girl and woman at risk, emphasizing that this practice constitutes a violation of human rights. They stressed that FGM cannot be justified under any circumstances, as it endangers the physical and mental health of women and girls. The consequences include serious health complications and significant treatment costs, which are projected to amount to approximately $1.4 billion annually.

Interventions to combat FGM over the past thirty years have yielded some positive results. Nearly two-thirds of people in countries where FGM is prevalent now support its eradication. Notably, there has been progress in reducing the number of girls subjected to FGM, dropping from one in two to one in three over the last decade, constituting half of the gains made since 1990. In order to maintain this momentum, the UN emphasizes the need for accelerated efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending FGM by 2030.

Effective strategies identified include the provision of health education, engaging religious and community leaders, and utilizing traditional and social media to spread awareness. Further investment in community-led initiatives, including youth and grassroots movements, is crucial. Strengthening both formal education and community-based approaches is essential for creating lasting change. Additionally, there is a call to amplify prevention messages by enlisting trusted opinion leaders, such as health workers.

Support for survivors is equally important, which involves ensuring they have access to tailored healthcare, emotional support, and legal assistance. Financially, the statistics demonstrate that every dollar invested in eliminating FGM can yield an exceptional tenfold return. An investment of $2.8 billion could potentially prevent 20 million cases, leading to an economic return of $28 billion.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, there is growing concern regarding the sustainability of the progress that has been achieved. Declining global investments and cuts to funding in health and educational programs threaten to undermine efforts aimed at preventing FGM and supporting survivors. Furthermore, a troubling pushback against initiatives to eliminate FGM, as well as the dangerous narrative that the practice is acceptable when performed by medical professionals, adds additional challenges to eradication efforts.

Without predictable and adequate funding, there is a significant risk that community outreach programs may be reduced, frontline services weakened, and overall progress hindered—potentially placing millions more girls at risk. On this pivotal day, UN leaders together reiterated their dedication to collaborating with local and global partners, including survivors, to eradicate female genital mutilation for good.