Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply rooted practice in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia. Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate it, FGM continues to affect millions of women and girls, inflicting severe physical, psychological, and social harm. While much attention is given to the immediate and long-term consequences for survivors, a recent report by the World Bank highlights the staggering economic burden that this practice imposes on national economies. According to the report, the cost of treating FGM-related health complications in affected countries reaches an estimated $1.4 billion (Sh180.9 billion) annually, placing immense strain on already struggling healthcare systems.
FGM is associated with a range of short- and long-term health complications, including severe pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma. In many cases, survivors require extensive medical interventions, including emergency care, reconstructive surgery, and mental health support. The World Bank report underscores how these medical expenses create a significant financial strain, particularly in countries with high FGM prevalence and limited healthcare resources.
For instance, in Somalia, where the prevalence rate of FGM surpasses 90%, hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with cases related to FGM complications. Countries with weak healthcare infrastructure struggle to provide adequate care for affected women, diverting resources from other critical healthcare needs. This burden not only affects government health expenditures but also places economic strain on families who must cover medical expenses out-of-pocket.
Beyond healthcare costs, FGM significantly hinders economic growth by limiting women’s participation in the workforce. According to the World Bank, millions of girls worldwide are taken out of school to undergo FGM, cutting short their education and restricting their future employment opportunities. When girls are deprived of education, their ability to secure stable jobs and contribute to the economy is severely diminished. This results in lost economic potential for both individuals and national economies.
Moreover, FGM contributes to early marriage and teenage pregnancies, further reducing the likelihood of women engaging in formal employment. In countries where the practice is widespread, labor markets suffer from the underrepresentation of women, leading to lower productivity and economic inefficiencies. The absence of women in various sectors due to FGM-related issues ultimately curtails national economic development.
FGM is internationally recognized as a human rights violation, and several international treaties and regional agreements, such as the Maputo Protocol, have called for its eradication. However, despite legal prohibitions in many countries, enforcement remains weak. A significant legislative gap exists, with only 15 out of 26 African countries having fully criminalized the practice. In Kenya, for instance, the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment in cases where FGM results in death. However, enforcement challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs and social pressures override legal restrictions.
To address the economic toll of FGM, governments and international organizations must adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes legal enforcement, public education, and economic empowerment programs for women. Investing in awareness campaigns can help shift societal attitudes and reduce cultural acceptance of the practice. Additionally, providing financial incentives for communities to abandon FGM, along with economic support for women and girls affected by the practice, can contribute to its decline.
Ultimately, the elimination of FGM is not just a moral and human rights issue—it is also an economic imperative. Countries that take decisive action to eradicate the practice will not only protect the health and dignity of their citizens but also unlock significant economic potential by enabling women to contribute fully to their societies. The $1.4 billion spent annually on FGM-related healthcare costs could be redirected toward education, economic development, and improved healthcare services, benefiting entire nations in the long run.
