Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most persistent and harmful violations of the human rights of women and girls. Rooted in deeply entrenched gender inequality and unhealthy social norms, FGM cuts across cultures, religions, and socioeconomic groups. Despite decades of global advocacy and measurable progress, the practice continues to endanger millions of lives, reminding the world that progress is fragile and far from guaranteed.
At its core, FGM violates the fundamental human rights of women and girls. These violations are not abstract. They are lived realities that affect women and girls physically, psychologically, socially, and economically across their lifespan; from childhood and adolescence through their reproductive years and into old age.
A Global Crisis Affecting Millions
According to the UNFPA, more than 230 million girls and women alive have undergone female genital mutilation. This staggering figure represents millions of individual stories marked by pain, loss, and resilience. FGM can cause severe immediate complications such as excessive bleeding, infections, and even death. Long-term consequences include chronic pain, complications during childbirth, increased maternal and newborn mortality, sexual and psychological trauma, and reduced educational and economic opportunities.
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 5, focused on eliminating all harmful practices and anchoring the global response to FGM, stands at a critical crossroads. Gains made over the last decade are under threat. Declining global funding, combined with growing pushback against gender equality and the rights of women and girls, risks reversing hard-won progress.
The cost of inaction is enormous. If current trends continue, an estimated 23 million additional girls, as indicated by UNFPA, could be at risk of undergoing FGM in the next four years, with about 4 million girls projected to be at risk in 2026 alone. These numbers underline the urgency of scaling up, not scaling back efforts to end the practice.
The Economic Case for Ending FGM
Beyond its devastating human cost, female genital mutilation also carries a heavy economic burden. Health systems must absorb the costs of treating preventable complications, while families and communities lose out on the full participation and productivity of women and girls affected by the practice.
Yet, there is a powerful economic argument for action. According to the UNFPA, evidence shows that for every one dollar invested in ending FGM, there is an estimated ten-dollar return in economic benefits. These returns come from improved health outcomes, increased educational attainment, enhanced productivity, and reduced strain on social and health services. Ending FGM is a moral, financial, and human rights imperative. It is a smart investment in sustainable development.
No End Without Sustained Commitment and Investment
This year’s theme, “Towards 2030: No end to female genital mutilation without sustained commitment and investment,” sends a clear and urgent message. Ending FGM is possible, but only if governments, civil society organizations, communities, and other stakeholders maintain long-term, coordinated efforts and engagement.
Progress requires more than short-term projects or symbolic commitments. It demands sustained political will, strong legal and policy frameworks, youth and community-led norm change, quality education for girls, survivor-centered services, and meaningful involvement of men, boys, traditional leaders, and faith-based actors. It also requires flexible and predictable funding that allows national and grassroots organizations, often the closest to affected communities, to plan, innovate, and respond with confidence and stability.
Every act of commitment matters. A policy reform that strengthens the enforcement of anti-FGM laws. A mentoring initiative that empowers girls to stay in school. A safe space where women and girls can share their experiences and access support. A community dialogue that challenges long-held norms. A story of resilience that inspires others to speak out. Each of these actions represents a step toward a world free from FGM.
A Collective Responsibility
The fight to end FGM is a collective responsibility and a test of global resolve. The world knows what works: youth-led and community-driven approaches, survivor leadership, sustained advocacy, and investment in gender equality. What is needed now is the courage to stay the course.
As 2030 approaches, the question is not whether we can end FGM, but whether we will choose to sustain the commitment and investment required to do so. The lives, rights, and future of millions of girls depend on that choice.
End FGM now!
