Stepping Up the Pace: A Call to Action to End Female Genital Mutilation

Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we stand in solidarity with girls and women worldwide who face the lifelong consequences of this harmful practice. As highlighted in the joint statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, more than 230 million girls and women have already endured FGM, and 27 million more could suffer the same fate by 2030 if we fail to act.

The theme of this year’s observance, "Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM," reminds us that progress is possible, but fragile. Countries like Kenya and Uganda are witnessing a decline in prevalence thanks to community-led initiatives, grassroots mobilization, and multi-sectoral partnerships. The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM, in collaboration with WHO, has reached millions with prevention and protection services, leading to public declarations to abandon the practice and extensive media awareness.

Yet, setbacks persist. In The Gambia, the attempt to repeal the FGM ban signals the ongoing struggle to safeguard girls’ rights. Across 31 countries where FGM is prevalent, only seven are on track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target of elimination. This calls for urgent acceleration of efforts, stronger alliances, community-driven advocacy, and greater accountability at all levels.

Ending FGM demands sustained investments in prevention, survivor-centered support, and justice mechanisms to punish the perpetrators and repairdamagescausedto victims. It requires governments, civil society, faith leaders, traditional authorities and young activists to unite in protecting girls from harm. The time to act is now.

Let’s amplify our voices, strengthen our commitments, and ensure no girl is left behind. #EndFGM #ZeroTolerance #SteppingUpThePace #HumanRights #GirlsRights