Female genital mutilation (FGM) frequently asked questions – United Nations Population Fund

Report on Female Genital Mutilation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Definition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) encompasses all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-medical reasons. This harmful practice violates fundamental human rights and is targeted for elimination under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Prevalence and Global Impact

An estimated 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone some form of FGM, documented in at least 94 countries, predominantly in Africa and Asia. Projections indicate an additional 27 million girls may be subjected to FGM by 2030 if current trends persist, undermining SDG 3 and SDG 5 targets.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted prevention programs, causing a one-third reduction in progress towards ending FGM by 2030. In 2026, approximately 4.5 million girls are at risk, with over half under five years old.

Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation

Immediate and Long-term Health Risks

• Severe pain, shock, hemorrhage, tetanus, infection, and urinary retention
• Psychological trauma and sexual and reproductive health complications
• Long-term issues including childbirth complications, anemia, cysts, scar formation, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and increased HIV transmission risk

Infibulation (Type III FGM)

This severe form involves narrowing the vaginal opening with a covering seal, leading to urinary disorders, infections, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and complications during sexual intercourse and childbirth.

Impact on Childbirth

Women subjected to FGM face higher risks of Caesarean sections, surgical incisions, extended hospital stays, and postpartum hemorrhage. Infibulation increases the likelihood of prolonged and obstructed labor, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths. The global cost of treating FGM-related health impacts is estimated at $1.4 billion annually, affecting progress towards SDG 3.

FGM and HIV Infection Risk

While no direct link exists between FGM and HIV infection, practices such as using the same instrument on multiple individuals and tissue lacerations during intercourse may increase HIV transmission risks.

Psychological Effects

FGM can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints, impacting mental health and well-being, which are integral to SDG 3.

Classification of Female Genital Mutilation Types

1. Type I: Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or prepuce.
2. Type II (Excision): Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and labia minora, with or without labia majora excision.
3. Type III (Infibulation): Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with a covering seal formed by cutting and repositioning labia.
4. Type IV: Other harmful procedures such as pricking, piercing, scraping, or cauterization.

De-infibulation is a medical procedure to open the sealed vaginal opening to improve health and facilitate childbirth. Re-infibulation is a non-medical re-narrowing performed after childbirth.

Common Types and Geographic Distribution

Types I and II are most common globally, while Type III is prevalent in Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti. FGM is practiced in diverse populations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Americas, and the Middle East, highlighting the global challenge to SDG 5.

Terminology and Human Rights Context

UNFPA advocates the use of “female genital mutilation” to emphasize the severity and human rights violations involved, aligning with international resolutions and SDG 5 commitments. Alternative terms like “female genital cutting” or “female circumcision” are less precise and may obscure the harmful nature of the practice.

Origins and Cultural Context

FGM predates major religions and has been practiced by various societies historically. It is driven by gender inequality and social norms, often linked to controlling female sexuality, cultural rites of passage, hygiene myths, and misinterpreted religious beliefs.

Age and Practitioners

• FGM is typically performed during childhood, before marriage, or around first pregnancy.
• Mostly conducted by traditional practitioners, including elderly women, barbers, and herbalists.
• Medicalization of FGM by health workers is a concerning trend, reported in countries such as Sudan, Egypt, Guinea, Kenya, and Nigeria, contradicting SDG 3 and ethical medical standards.

Instruments Used

FGM is performed using knives, scissors, scalpels, glass pieces, or razor blades, often without anesthesia or antiseptics, increasing health risks.

Reasons for Performing FGM

1. Psychosexual: Control of female sexuality, ensuring virginity and fidelity, and enhancing male pleasure.
2. Sociocultural: Initiation into womanhood and marriage prerequisites.
3. Hygiene and Aesthetic: Misconceptions about cleanliness and beauty.
4. Religious: Misused religious justifications despite no endorsement by major religions.

Religious Perspectives

No religious texts endorse FGM. Many religious leaders actively condemn the practice, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through advocacy against harmful traditions.

Cultural Traditions and Human Rights

Cultural practices cannot justify violence or human rights violations. Change is possible through community engagement and education, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Global and Legal Frameworks

FGM is banned by law in 92 countries, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to fines. Legal frameworks support SDG 16 by promoting justice and protection against gender-based violence.

International Commitments and Instruments

Multiple international and regional instruments support FGM elimination, including:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
• Convention on the Rights of the Child
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3 and SDG 5

UNFPA’s Strategic Approach to Ending FGM

UNFPA leads global efforts aligned with SDGs to eliminate FGM through:

• Technical guidance and advocacy to strengthen policies and legislation
• Multisector prevention and care interventions
• Social norm change and community empowerment
• Joint programs with UNICEF to accelerate elimination
• Stopping medicalization by training health workers and enforcing regulations
• Integrating FGM responses into sexual, reproductive, maternal, child health, and child protection services
• Establishing global knowledge hubs for data and best practices

This comprehensive approach supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, religious leaders, and communities.

Voices of Women and Girls

Survivors advocate for ending FGM, emphasizing the importance of education and community dialogue to protect future generations, reinforcing SDG 4 and SDG 5 objectives.

Medicalization and Safety Concerns

FGM cannot be made safe, even when performed by health workers. Medicalization legitimizes the practice contrary to medical ethics and human rights, undermining SDG 3 and SDG 16.

Conclusion

Eliminating female genital mutilation is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Coordinated global efforts, legal frameworks, community engagement, and survivor empowerment are essential to end this harmful practice and uphold the rights and health of women and girls worldwide.

Report updated 5 February 2026

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the severe health risks and complications caused by female genital mutilation (FGM), including immediate and long-term physical and psychological health consequences.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • FGM is a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights, rooted in gender inequality and harmful social norms.
   • The article emphasizes efforts to eliminate violence and discrimination against women and girls.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article mentions legislation and legal frameworks banning FGM in many countries, reflecting the role of justice and institutions in protecting rights.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • UNFPA and UNICEF joint programmes and global partnerships are highlighted as key to accelerating the elimination of FGM.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education.
   • The article discusses integrating FGM responses into sexual and reproductive health services.
2. SDG 5 – Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
   • The article explicitly addresses the elimination of FGM as a harmful practice violating gender equality.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Many countries have laws banning FGM, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, reflecting progress on this target.
4. SDG 17 – Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme and collaboration with governments, civil society, and communities illustrate this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation
   • Estimated number of girls and women subjected to FGM (230 million) and projections of those at risk (4.5 million in 2026).
   • Reduction in the number of girls undergoing FGM over time as a measure of progress.
2. Legal Frameworks and Enforcement
   • Number of countries with legislation banning FGM (92 countries).
   • Penalties and prosecution rates for FGM offenses.
3. Medicalization Rates
   • Proportion of FGM performed by health workers (medicalized FGM), with data such as 2 in 3 girls subjected to FGM by health workers in some countries.
4. Social Norms and Attitudes
   • Community declarations abandoning FGM.
   • Shifts in religious leaders’ positions from endorsing to condemning FGM.
   • Surveys on beliefs about FGM being a religious requirement.
5. Health Outcomes
   • Incidence of health complications related to FGM such as childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and infections.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: unfpa.org