Five years to zero: the Race to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2030
United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, United Nations Women’s Joint Statement, Equality Now, German Gersel Scheft fürinternationale zusammenarbeit (giz) and East Africa’s East Africa Asia Regional Support Initiative (EASSI) at the International Zero Date FGM Zero tolerance date
Fatuma was only ten years old when she heard her “special day” whisper.
In the village of Oromia, Ethiopia, the ceremony is celebrated as a pass-through ceremony that will define her future. But Fuma’s mother had different plans. She held her daughter’s hand firmly and walked silently for miles to a safe house where the girl was protected by Female Genital Dismemberment (FGM). “I hope she dreams beyond our traditions, go to school, be free,” her mother said. Today, Fatuma is a college student, advocate, and the voice of millions of girls who are still facing this harmful practice.
In this international, the International Trade Commission, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, UN Women and Eassi, now Equality, GIZ and partners’ Zero Tolerance Day have called for an end to the full form of women’s forex once and for all. This year’s theme has accelerated the pace: strengthening alliances and building campaigns to end women and women plus the virus, a reminder that we must act collectively and promptly to eliminate this serious human rights violation.
Continuous rights violations
Female vulvar mutilation affects more than 230 million women and girls around the world and suffers severe physical and psychological damage. In Eastern and Southern Africa alone, 42 million women and girls have experienced this harmful practice. Despite the progress, over the past decade, Ethiopia has reduced the appearance of adolescent women from 68% to 47% and Kenya from 13% to 9%, but the number remains alarming. In Somalia, the prevalence remains at 99%.
Ending the female plus sports requires not only policies and laws, but also sports. Governments, civil society organizations, including women’s rights and youth groups, faith-based institutions, and the private sector must unite in such a way that has never been seen before. As Mercy Yego Chelangat, regional president of the Global Youth League of East and Southern Africa, strongly pointed out: “When we join the hands (whether cross villages or borders), our collective efforts become a demolition Harmful behavior and protecting movements over generations.”
The role of ethnic and regional task forces in fighting women and women is crucial. Five countries (North, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) have already formulated laws, developed national action plans, and allocated budgets to address the female outbound wing. But we need a unified cross-border response because people realize that women’s exogenous lives will not stop at national borders. The momentum behind the Women’s Doctors (EAC) Act is a crucial step toward the momentum behind the Women’s Doctors (EAC) Act.
The struggle with the female genital machine is changing organizations led by women and youth. Like the Global Youth League Against Women’s Cars, Equality Now, EASSI, Frontline End Women’s Plus Virus, Power on You (TH) and the Strategic Initiative (SIHA) (SIHA) brings you new Energy, innovative dialogue and legal advocacy and legal advocacy communities. These organizations are reaching remote villages, challenging entrenched norms and promoting intergenerational alliances.
Faith-based leaders and traditional elders also have great power in changing cultural perspectives. By participating in religious institutions and community elders, we see that FGM is not a religious requirement, but a harmful practice that deprives girls of their fundamental rights.
The road ahead
In 2025, we will strengthen our efforts by working with the African Union to promote adoption and approval of ending violence against women and girls. Through the Salema Initiative and Focus Initiative Africa Regional Plan, we will ensure strengthening of the legislative framework and accountability mechanisms. Solving the same problem with cross-border women remains an urgent priority, with a focus on joint action plans, data sharing and coordinated prevention strategies.
Recognizing that legal reform and policy alone is not enough, we need to ensure sustainable, flexible funding is brought to grassroots organizations to change within the community. We need schools to be safe spaces where girls are educated. We need boys and men to become allies, fighting side by side with women and girls to promote traditions and cultural practices that empower women and girls and dismantle discriminatory norms.
The progress we have made is undeniable, but so is the urgency. We have only five years to end the global deadline for women and women to limit women. The day that passes every day means more girls are in danger.
Fatuma’s story proves that change is possible. But for every girl who escapes, millions still face blades. We unwaveringly promise that this harmful practice must end in our lives. It will – if we step up together now.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of United Nations Women – Africa.
