As the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed today, February 17, 2026, leading figures from the United Nations are issuing a stark warning: progress in eradicating this harmful practice is at risk due to waning global investment and increasing opposition. An estimated 4.5 million girls – many under the age of five – remain at risk of undergoing FGM this year alone, a practice that continues to inflict lasting physical and psychological trauma on hundreds of millions of women and girls worldwide.
More than 230 million girls and women are currently living with the consequences of FGM, a deeply entrenched human rights violation with no medical justification. The practice, which involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, carries significant health risks, including severe bleeding, infections, chronic pain, and complications in childbirth. The financial burden of treating these complications is estimated at approximately US$1.4 billion annually, according to UN agencies.
Accelerating Progress, Facing New Challenges
Despite the grim statistics, there is reason for cautious optimism. Interventions over the past three decades have demonstrably impacted the prevalence of FGM, with nearly two-thirds of those living in affected countries now expressing support for its elimination. Notably, half of all progress made since 1990 has been achieved in the last decade, reducing the proportion of girls subjected to FGM from one in two to one in three. This acceleration demonstrates that ending FGM is achievable, but requires sustained and intensified efforts.
Effective strategies for ending FGM are well-established. These include comprehensive health education, engagement with religious and community leaders, and leveraging both traditional and social media to disseminate prevention messages. Investing in community-led movements, particularly grassroots and youth networks, and strengthening education systems are also crucial components of a successful approach.
The Economic Case for Intervention
The UN leaders emphasized the significant return on investment associated with ending FGM. For every dollar invested, a tenfold return is realized. A targeted investment of US$2.8 billion could prevent an estimated 20 million cases of FGM and generate US$28 billion in economic benefits. This highlights the economic as well as the humanitarian imperative to prioritize this issue.
However, the gains made are now threatened by a confluence of factors. Declining international investment in crucial areas like health, education, and child protection is hindering prevention efforts and limiting support for survivors. A growing and systematic pushback against efforts to end FGM, fueled by dangerous arguments that the practice is acceptable when performed by medical professionals, presents a significant obstacle. This trend is particularly concerning, as it undermines trust in healthcare systems and legitimizes a harmful practice.
Supporting Survivors and Building Momentum
The UN agencies stressed the importance of providing comprehensive, context-specific care to survivors of FGM, including access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Amplifying prevention messages through trusted opinion leaders, including healthcare workers, is also vital.
The call to action from the UN Executive Directors is clear: continued commitment and increased investment are essential to build on the momentum achieved and meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending FGM by 2030. Without adequate and predictable financing, community outreach programs risk being scaled back, frontline services weakened, and millions more girls placed at risk.
As the international community recommits to ending FGM, collaboration with local and global partners, including survivors themselves, will be paramount. The path forward requires a sustained, coordinated, and adequately funded effort to protect the rights and well-being of girls and women worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about female genital mutilation and is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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