An estimated 4.5 million girls worldwide are in danger of undergoing FGM in 2026, a warning issued by the UN regarding the practice. These young girls include those who are younger than five years old, portraying the risk that young children are still subjected to with regard to this practice.
The warning was given in a joint statement by UNICEF and WHO to mark the International Day for Zero Tolerance towards Female Genital Mutilation. According to estimates by the UN, there are 230 million survivors of FGM worldwide, emphasizing the dimension at which human rights abuses are still occurring.
What Is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Female Genital Mutilation is defined by the extent to which all procedures that involve partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, or damage to female genital organs, are carried out for reasons other than medical. Such a practice is mostly performed on girls between the ages of infancy and 15 years.
FGM is common in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with some of these communities justifying it on cultural, social, or ideological beliefs. FGM is not supported by any religion, including Islam and Christianity, which is more often abused as justification for FGM.
Severe Health and Psychological Consequences
FGM has no medical benefits and carries significant short- and long-term health risks. Immediate complications include:
- Severe bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Infection and sepsis
- Shock and extreme pain
- Urine retention
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
Even in long term, the possible effects include infertility, chronic infections, problems with reproduction, postpartum haemorrhage, stillbirths, and deaths of newborns. In addition, the victims end up psychologically injured or traumatized since they become anxious, depressed, and do not trust other people anymore.
FGM as a Deeply Rooted Gender Inequality
The persistence of FGM is closely linked to deeply entrenched gender inequality. In many societies, the practice is viewed as:
- A rite of passage into womanhood
- A way to control female sexuality
- A requirement for marriage or inheritance
- A guarantee of virginity and chastity
Families who refuse to participate often face social ostracism, and their daughters may be deemed ineligible for marriage, creating powerful pressure to conform.
FGM as a Violation of Human Rights
The United Nations has repeatedly emphasized that FGM is a grave violation of human rights. It breaches multiple international human rights principles, including:
- The right to health and bodily integrity
- The right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment
- The rights of the child
- The principle of equality and non-discrimination based on sex
- In severe cases, the right to life
UN agency leaders stressed that FGM cannot be justified on any cultural, religious, or social grounds.
Global Prevalence and Future Risks
While the exact number of those who have been affected is not easily quantified, it is estimated that a minimum of 230 million women and girls in 31 countries on three continents have undergone the practice.
It is however encouraging to know that some good has been achieved, since girls who today face FGM are about one-third fewer than the number of girls who faced FGM 30 years ago. The population, however, continues to be an obstacle, with an estimated 27 million more girls expected to be subjected to FGM if no efforts are made.
Countries With the Highest Prevalence
Achievements have not been evenly distributed over countries. In some countries, the practice has declined by as little as 1% over the last three decades. Guinean and Somali women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 have a prevalence rate of over 90%, the highest globally.
Progress and Ongoing Challenges in Eliminating FGM
The UN agencies also recognized the role of community education efforts, awareness campaigns, as well as working with religious leaders and traditional groups in reducing the numbers. The WHO and UNICEF quoted statistics that half of the global progress since 1990 has accumulated in the last 10 years alone, reducing the figures from one in two girls worldwide to one in three subjected to FGM.
They also called for expanded support for survivors, including:
- Comprehensive healthcare
- Psychosocial counseling
- Legal protection and assistance
Funding Cuts Threaten Global Efforts
Despite progress, the UN warned that cuts to international aid funding and growing resistance to anti-FGM initiatives are undermining prevention efforts.
“Without adequate and predictable financing, community outreach programmes risk being scaled back, frontline services weakened, and progress reversed—placing millions more girls at risk,”
UN agencies cautioned.
Efforts to eliminate FGM by the year 2030 remain an important goal in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, experts have expressed doubts that this goal will be achieved without political will.
UN authorities reaffirmed their dedication to their goal of eliminating FGM for every girl and woman at risk, stating that in addition to being a health imperative, the eradication of FGM must also become a moral and human rights imperative.