UN seeks urgent action against FGM globally, says 4.4 million girls at risk in 2025

The United Nations (UN) has called for urgent action to end female genital mutilation (FGM) globally.

The UN said over 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, with nearly 4.4 million more are at risk of being affected in 2025 alone — equivalent to over 12,000 cases every day.

FGM comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Girls who undergo the procedure face severe short-term complications such as extreme pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine.

In the long term, they may suffer from sexual and reproductive health issues as well as psychological trauma.

In a statement to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the UN said although the practice is primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

“More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. This year, nearly 4.4 million girls will be at risk of this harmful practice. This equates to more than 12,000 cases every day,” the statement reads.

“With five years remaining in this decade of action, our collective actions must be centered around creating environments where girls and women can exercise their power and choice, enjoying full rights to health, education, and safety.

“And this is possible through investments in initiatives led by survivors of female genital mutilation who are challenging harmful gender and social norms.

“Their voices and actions can transform deeply rooted social and gender norms, allowing girls and women to realize their rights and potential in terms of health, education, income, and equality.

“To promote the elimination of female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.”

‘A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS’

The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating FGM, describing it as a fundamental violation of human rights and a major impediment to sustainable development.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs, spoke on Thursday at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

She said FGM is not a cultural or religious obligation, but a severe violation of human rights, leading to health complications, psychological trauma, and even death.

The minister added that FGM continued to hinder the country’s progress in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), including gender equality, quality education, and economic growth.

She called on all stakeholders, including civil society, religious institutions, the private sector, and the media, to play an active role in the fight against FGM.

“FGM is not a private matter; it is a public health crisis and a development challenge. The time for action is now,” she said.