Olivia Albert, a 19-year-old from Tanzania, experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) at age 14, a practice once considered a normal rite of passage in her community. Speaking to UNFPA, she emphasized the lasting physical and emotional pain she endured and highlighted how survivor-led initiatives are helping shift attitudes. By participating in community dialogues, she now advocates for youth and educates girls about their rights, empowering others to resist the practice.
FGM remains a widespread issue, with over 230 million girls and women affected globally, and nearly 4.5 million girls at risk in 2026. A key barrier to ending FGM is the misconception that abandoning it is driven by foreign influence. Engaging local leaders, especially religious figures, has proven effective in dispelling myths. Prominent clerics, such as Imam Ousmane Yabara Camara in Guinea, stress that FGM is not mandated by Islam and advocate for education to prevent its continuation.
Legal reforms are also playing a critical role. In Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia, Islamic scholars issued a fatwa in 2025 clarifying that FGM has no religious basis, complementing constitutional protections and empowering activists to challenge the practice. Community programs across Ethiopia and other countries engage men and boys through dialogue, addressing cultural norms and encouraging local action.
Medicalized FGM, performed by healthcare providers, is neither safe nor justified and continues to cause severe complications. Health professionals, such as Dr. Maram Mahmoud in Egypt, emphasize the importance of understanding community mindsets to guide prevention efforts. UNFPA’s work demonstrates that a combination of survivor leadership, faith-based advocacy, legal reforms, and inclusive community engagement can gradually reduce FGM and protect the next generation of girls.
