Female genital cutting affects girls and women all over the world. It is a global issue that requires a global response.
Also known as female genital mutilation or FGM, it is a form of gender-based violence and violation of human rights of which at least 4.1 million girls are at risk every year; in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Oceania. That’s every continent except Antarctica.
200 million women and girls alive today are known to have been cut, and are living with the physical, psychological, sexual, economic and social consequences of the practice. This statistic only counts survivors living in 31 countries, when we know girls and women are affected in over 90.
Change is happening, and thousands of brave communities have taken action at the grassroots to end the cut and shift this harmful social norm in many parts of the world. However more must be done, and that begins with recognising the global presence of this form of violence against women and girls.
We cannot achieve gender equality while FGC continues. 2021 is a year of unique opportunity to make progress on gender equality due to the landmark Generation Equality Forum – which unites UN Member States, civil society, business and philanthropy behind a shared goal of tackling inequality.
We also have just under 10 years to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, including Target 5.3 under “Gender Equality” to:
- eliminate all harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital cutting, and
- for national reporting on prevalence of FGC amongst girls and women aged 15-49
193 UN member states have signed up to achieve these goals by 2030, including the 90+ where girls and women are affected by FGC.
That’s why as we mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGC 2021, we are calling on all governments to commit to report national data on female genital cutting and provide an accurate global picture of where the practice happens.
This is an important, key step towards ending the practice, and ensuring that all girls and future generations live free from FGC.
Change cannot happen without you. Together we must accelerate an end to cutting. Show your support by retweeting the campaign signing up to receive updates on progress on ending FGC through the form below.