Top Stories,‘Step Up the Pace’ and end female genital mutilation, UN says

‘Step Up the Pace’ and end female genital mutilation, UN says

6 February 2025

The United Nations has called for a global effort to end female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030, warning that the practice is still prevalent in many parts of the world.

In a report released on Monday, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that an estimated 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.

The practice is often carried out on young girls between the ages of 5 and 15, and can have devastating physical and psychological consequences. It can lead to pain, bleeding, infection, infertility, and even death.

“FGM is a violation of human rights and a form of violence against women and girls,” said UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem. “It has no place in our world.”

The report found that FGM is most common in Africa, where it is practiced in 31 countries. However, it is also found in other parts of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The UN is calling on governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to work together to end FGM. The report recommends a number of measures, including:

• Education and awareness: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and promoting dialogue about the issue.
• Empowerment of girls and women: Providing girls and women with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their bodies.
• Law enforcement: Making FGM illegal and prosecuting those who perform it.
• Support for survivors: Providing medical, psychological, and legal support to girls and women who have undergone FGM.

“We must step up the pace to end FGM,” said Kanem. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of girls and women.”

Additional resources:

• UNFPA report on FGM
• World Health Organization factsheet on FGM
• International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

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