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New report uncovers a dramatic rise in FGM cases worldwide

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According to recent data released by UNICEF, the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation has increased by 15 per cent in the past eight years, showing that the pace of progress remains woefully off track to meet the SDG of ending the practice by 2030.

More than 230 million women and girls around the world have now undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), according to a new report issued on Friday by the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF.

The (almost) universally condemned procedure – which involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia for non-medical reasons – is traditionally carried out to dictate proof of sexual purity and often performed by ‘healers’ or untrained midwives using razors, broken glass, or knives.

It is extremely dangerous, and can lead to urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, decreased satisfaction during intimacy, childbirth complications, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Causing lasting harm to female health, education, and future opportunities, FGM is a severe violation of human rights that is profoundly rooted in inequality as well as the male desire to control women’s bodies and, ultimately, their lives.

The increase of 15 per cent since the organisation’s last global estimate in 2016 (200 million) shows that the pace of progress remains woefully off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending the practice by the target date of 2030.

To do so by then, stresses UNICEF, campaign work needs to be happening 27 times faster than the current rate.

As explained by UNICEF executive director, Catherine Russell, the dramatic rise in cases is attributable to girls being cut at a younger age, as well as more girls being born in FGM-practising countries compared to the rest of the world.

‘Female genital mutilation harms girls’ bodies, dims their futures, and endangers their lives,’ she says.

‘We’re also seeing a worrying trend that more girls are subjected to the practice at younger ages, many before their fifth birthday. That further reduces the window to intervene. We need to strengthen the efforts of ending this harmful practice.’

Approximately 60 per cent of FGM cases (144 million) occur in Africa, followed by 80 million in Asia, and 6 million in the Middle East.

Countries with the highest prevalence of FGM include Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Egypt, Sudan, and Mali, where other challenges such as conflict, climate change, and food insecurity complicate intervention efforts.

‘Even in communities that are slowly shifting away from the practice, the total number of [victims] can remain the same or even increase if the population is growing rapidly,’ says lead author, Claudia Coppa. ‘It is indeed bad news. This is a huge number, a number that is bigger than ever before.’

To eradicate FGM, UNICEF is calling on communities and leaders everywhere to step up their efforts to end gender discrimination and inequality, urgently invest in services for girls, prioritise girls’ rights in laws and policies, and better track the prevalence of FGM using reliable data.

‘As a survivor, I know all about the devastating consequences that FGM has on women and girls,’ says Nimco Ali, chief executive of The Five Foundation, the global partnership to end FGM.

‘The new estimate showing a huge increase of 30 million more affected is not just shocking but personally devastating, especially when we know what works and we could have prevented this from happening.’

Feature Media Manager & Senior Writer London, UK

Sofia (She/Her) – I’m the Deputy Editor & Media Partnership Manager at Thred, specialising in exclusive articles and live interviews, fashion and beauty with a focus on sustainability, women’s rights, psychedelics, and Latin America. I studied Spanish at the University of Exeter and International Journalism at City, London. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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