UNFPA works to end the practice of female genital mutilation, or FGM. Through a culturally sensitive approach, UNFPA educates communities and partners with local organizations to encourage abandonment of the practice.
© UNFPA Uganda
FGM is the practice of intentional injury to the genital organs of a girl or woman for non-medical reasons. It is a cultural norm in many places, but not central to any religion.
The practice can cause health complications including chronic pain, infections, increased risk of HIV transmission, anxiety and depression, birth complications, infertility, and in the most extreme cases, death.
UNFPA partners with UNICEF in the world’s largest program encouraging communities to abandon FGM and to provide care for its consequences.
have undergone some form of FGM
to FGM are 14 years old and younger
from FGM between 2014 and 2016 by UNFPA and partner agencies
Ending FGM is an important key to achieving gender equality. See the impact of UNFPA’s work.
Photo: ©UNFPA Guinea
