By Koffi Kouame, UNFPA Country Representative
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a profound violation of human rights, with devastating physical, psychological, and social consequences for women and girls. The practice undermines the principles of equality, bodily autonomy, and non-discrimination, denying girls and women their fundamental rights to live free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Yet, despite global condemnation, millions of girls and women continue to suffer from this harmful practice. In Ethiopia alone, 25 million girls and women are survivors of FGM, and an estimated 2.5 million girls remain at risk of undergoing FGM by 2030.
FGM limits access to critical opportunities and resources that are essential for the realization of women’s and girls’ rights. It deprives girls and women of fundamental services—healthcare, education, safety—and hampers their ability to reach their full potential. The time for decisive collective action has never been more urgent.
This year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM to be commemorated on February 6 highlights the importance of strengthened partnerships to accelerate the effort to end FGM. The theme for this year’s observance, “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movement to End FGM,” underscores the necessity of collaboration—calling on governments, civil society, youth, survivors, and international organizations to unite against FGM. By working together, these diverse actors can challenge harmful social norms, advocate for policy reform, and ensure that every girl grows up free from the threat of FGM.
The Government of Ethiopia and its partners have made notable strides in tackling FGM over 16 years (2000–2016), reducing prevalence from around 80 percent to 65 percent. However, Ethiopia remains one of the countries with the highest rates of FGM, with significant geographic disparities. To eliminate FGM by 2030, efforts must accelerate at a rate five times faster than the progress made over the past 15 years.
A powerful example of collective action is the National Alliance to End Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage in Ethiopia, established in 2012. The Alliance, which includes government and non-governmental organizations, faith-based and women-led groups, research institutions, and UN agencies, works together to synergize efforts and amplify impact. One of its key initiatives includes community dialogue programs that empower local and religious leaders to champion change and encourage families to abandon FGM.
UNFPA, alongside UNICEF, has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of Ethiopia’s national roadmap to end child marriage and FGM through joint programmes promoting multisectoral alliances and mobilizing communities to abandon harmful practices. For example, in the Afar and Somali regions—where FGM rates are highest—UNFPA has worked closely with community elders, health workers, and youth advocates to challenge deep-rooted beliefs and shift attitudes towards the abandonment of FGM.
The commitment to end FGM by 2030 is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative. We must reinforce partnerships, strengthen legal frameworks, and increase investment in community-based solutions. This includes expanding economic opportunities for women and girls, integrating FGM into health and education systems, and engaging men and boys as allies against FGM and other harmful practices.
There is no time to lose. By working together, we can create a future where every girl grows up free from the fear and suffering caused by FGM.
This message is published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in connection with the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.