Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most egregious violations of human rights, inflicting lasting physical, emotional, and psychological damage on millions of girls and women worldwide. Despite global efforts to eradicate the practice, over 230 million girls and women today have endured this form of gender-based violence. Without intensified action, an estimated 27 million more girls are at risk of undergoing FGM by 2030.
On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, it is crucial to reaffirm our collective commitment to ending this harmful practice. The theme of this year’s observance, “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation,” highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships and community driven solutions to accelerate progress.
The global movement against FGM has yielded promising results. Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia have made significant strides in reducing prevalence rates through legal reforms, community engagement, and advocacy efforts. In these nations, collaborations between governments, grassroots organizations, and international agencies have empowered local communities to reject the practice.
One of the most impactful initiatives is the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, launched in 2008. Over the past 15 years, this program has reached close to 7 million girls and women, providing them with access to prevention and protection services. Additionally, 48 million individuals have made public commitments to abandon FGM, signaling a shift in societal norms. Mass media campaigns have played a crucial role in raising awareness, reaching an estimated 220 million people with messages against the practice.
Furthermore, grassroots activism has proven to be a formidable force in changing attitudes towards FGM. Nearly 12,000 community organizations and 112,000 frontline workers have mobilized to challenge harmful traditions and advocate for girls’ rights. These collective efforts underscore the importance of community-driven approaches in effecting sustainable change
Despite notable achievements, progress remains fragile. In some countries, conservative backlash threatens to undo years of advocacy. The Gambia, for instance, has witnessed attempts to repeal the legal ban on FGM, raising concerns about the protection of future generations of girls. Such setbacks highlight the need for continuous vigilance, advocacy, and enforcement of legal frameworks.
Additionally, of the 31 countries where FGM prevalence is monitored, only seven are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of eliminating the practice by 2030. To bridge this gap, more urgent action is required at local, national, and international levels.
To accelerate the fight against FGM, stronger alliances must be forged among leaders, educators, healthcare providers, religious figures, and grassroots organizations. Partnerships across sectors health, education, law enforcement, and social protection can amplify efforts to eradicate the practice. Survivors must also be placed at the center of advocacy campaigns, sharing their stories to challenge cultural misconceptions and drive societal transformation.
Greater accountability is essential to ensure that policies are not only enacted but also effectively implemented. Governments must uphold their commitments to protecting girls from FGM by allocating resources, strengthening legal enforcement, and supporting survivors with healthcare and psychological services. Increased financial investment is necessary to scale up proven interventions, such as alternative rites of passage, educational programs, and economic empowerment initiatives for at-risk communities.
Eradicating FGM is not solely the responsibility of governments and organizations it requires a global commitment. Every individual has a role to play, from advocating for policy change to educating communities about the dangers of FGM. Parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and religious leaders must unite in rejecting this harmful practice and ensuring that no girl is subjected to such violence.
As we mark this day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we must act with urgency. The momentum gained over the years must not be lost. By strengthening alliances, expanding social movements, and holding decision-makers accountable, we can ensure a future where every girl is free from the threat of FGM.
