Over 230 million women and girls have been subjected to female genital mutilation globally, with a 15% increase in cases over the past eight years, highlighting a pressing need for more effective action against the practice.
UNICEF has released alarming statistics on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), revealing that over 230 million women and girls have been subjected to the practice globally, marking a 15% increase in the past eight years. The majority of these cases are reported in Africa, with a significant presence in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and among migrant communities in Europe and the US. Specifically, countries like Somalia, Guinea, and Djibouti report the highest prevalence, with rates reaching up to 99% in Somalia for women aged between 15 and 49.
Despite efforts to reduce the practice, an additional 30 million cases have been identified since 2016, with a disturbing trend of younger girls, some below the age of five, being targeted. This reduction in intervention time, coupled with the practice’s severe health implications—including bleeding, infections, infertility, and death—indicates a pressing need for more effective global action.
Although FGM is recognized for its harmful impact on physical and psychological health, progress towards its complete eradication is lagging. To meet the UN’s goal of ending FGM by 2030, current efforts would need to be 27 times more effective. Legal interventions in countries like Kenya have shown promise, yet the global initiative faces challenges, including a resurgence of the practice in certain regions and its increasing medicalisation, complicating detection efforts.
The report also underscores that 4 out of every 10 survivors reside in conflict-affected regions, further complicating interventions. With a projected significant increase in the population of girls born in FGM-practicing countries by 2050, the urgency for global collective action and increased funding, particularly for grassroots organizations, is emphasized. The UNICEF report brings to light the profound and devastating impact of FGM on millions of women and girls, calling for intensified efforts to protect their health and well-being.
