Step up the Pace to #End FGM: Save lives and save economies

Every year, millions of girls around the world are taken out of school to be forcibly mutilated. This harmful practice robs girls of their childhood, denies them the chance to determine their future, and cripples their ability to enter and remain in the labor force. In countries, like Somalia and Guinea where the prevalence of the practice is over 90 per cent, female genital mutilation (FGM) remains as widespread today as it was three decades ago.  
 

Female genital mutilation: a universal and persistent harmful practice 

Over 230 million girls and women alive today are survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with 44 million being girls under the age of 15. In fact, globally, more than 12,000 girls each day are at risk of female genital mutilation. Sadly, Africa is by far the continent most affected by the issue of FGM, with 80 per cent of known cases. The impact of this harmful practice is profound, leading to lasting physical, psychological, and socio-economic consequences.  
 

Enduring consequences: the impact of female genital mutilation on survivors

FGM is an extreme form of violence against women and girls. Those who undergo FGM face immediate health risks, including severe hemorrhage, shock, infections, urine retention, and excruciating pain. The practice also significantly increases the risk of HIV transmission. The psychological impact is significant, often resulting in anxiety, depression and a loss of trust in caregivers. Furthermore, the long-term effects of FGM are devastating with survivors facing higher rates of infertility, complications during childbirth, and even death, such as maternal death, stillbirth or early neonatal death. The stigma surrounding FGM further exacerbates the issue and perpetuates the cycle of harm, with survivors being more likely to subject their daughters to the same practice.  
 

The economic burden of female genital mutilation: a global loss beyond health  

FGM does not just harm survivors, families and communities. It also takes a heavy toll on the global economy. In fact, the financial burden of treating FGM-related health complications extends across generations, starting as early as childbirth. According to the World Health Organization, the annual cost of healthcare for FGM survivors is a staggering USD 1.4 billion. This places significant pressure on healthcare systems and national budgets, especially in countries where FGM prevalence exceeds 10%, and even more so in those where the practice is not yet explicitly criminalized. Beyond the financial costs related to treating FGM-related health complications, women and girls subjected to FGM are likely to miss school and work or even drop out entirely, leading to reduced productivity and earning potential. Ultimately, this poses significant costs to economies and socio economic consequences.  

FGM is internationally recognized as a harmful practice violating women’s rights. As such, several international and regional human rights instruments require governments to take active measures to prevent it. In Africa, the Maputo Protocol mandates States to pass laws specifically prohibiting FGM and calls for comprehensive measures, including public awareness campaigns and support services for survivors.   

With support from the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility, Women, Business and the Law has collected data on laws and policies addressing FGM in 26 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Findings reveal that only 15 out of the 26 economies have enacted laws criminalizing this harmful practice, highlighting a glaring gap in legislation. In Kenya, Sections 19 and 21 of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act criminalize both the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the country and the act of arranging for a person to be taken outside Kenya with the intent of subjecting them to FGM. Furthermore, the law stipulates severe penalties including life imprisonment for aggravated cases resulting in death. Lastly, Section 29 of the same legislation further holds the individual performing the FGM procedure liable to either criminal or civil sanctions depending on severity.  

Targeted policies or strategies to support the implementation of FGM laws are crucial. These measures may include prevention programs, protection and care services, community surveillance committees, positive parenting programs, community-based campaigns on social norms, or the establishment of dedicated institutions. Yet only nine out of the 26 analyzed economies have adopted specific policies or strategies aimed at eradicating FGM.  One of these is Sierra Leone. As part of its Essential Health Services Package, the government of Sierra Leone, offers primary, secondary and tertiary health care services for FGM, including first-line psychological support, clinical assessments, referrals, emergency care and community sensitization. Moreover, the government also enacted the National Strategy for the Reduction of Female Genital Cutting (2016–2020), which remains the most recent policy addressing FGM in the region. While such initiatives are commendable, the pace of progress remains slow.  

Stronger laws and comprehensive policies against FGM are needed

The enactment of laws and policies addressing FGM have boosted progress toward eliminating this practice, a girl alive today is about one third less likely to be subjected to it than she was 30 years ago.  However, progress has been uneven, and it is estimated that if initiatives against FGM are not significantly scaled up, the number of girls and women undergoing FGM will be higher in 2030 than it is today, and these gains are at risk due to population growth.   

On this Zero Tolerance Day, stronger laws and comprehensive policies are needed to end FGM now!