In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girls, many under the age of five, are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). Currently, over 230 million girls and women live with the consequences of this harmful practice. On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, UN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ending FGM for every girl and woman at risk, and to ensuring survivors have access to quality, appropriate services.
FGM is a violation of human rights with no justification. It compromises physical and mental health and can lead to serious lifelong complications, with treatment costs estimated at around USD 1.4 billion annually.
Efforts to eliminate FGM over the past three decades have shown measurable impact. Nearly two-thirds of the population in countries where FGM is prevalent now support its elimination. Progress has accelerated in recent years, with half of all gains since 1990 achieved in the last decade, reducing the proportion of girls subjected to FGM from one in two to one in three. Building on this momentum is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending FGM by 2030.
Effective strategies to end FGM include health education, engaging religious and community leaders, working with parents and health workers, and leveraging traditional and social media. Investing in community-led initiatives, including grassroots and youth networks, as well as formal and community-based education, is crucial. Survivors also need access to comprehensive, context-specific health care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.
Financial investment in ending FGM yields high returns. A projected investment of USD 2.8 billion could prevent 20 million cases and generate USD 28 billion in economic returns.
Despite progress, gains are at risk as global investment and support wane. Funding cuts and reduced international investment in health, education, and child protection programs are already limiting prevention efforts and survivor support. The growing pushback on anti-FGM initiatives, including arguments in favor of medicalized FGM, adds further challenges. Without predictable financing, community outreach programs could be scaled back, frontline services weakened, and millions more girls placed at risk, threatening the 2030 elimination target.
UN leaders reaffirm their commitment to working with local and global partners, including survivors, to end FGM once and for all.
