Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) remains a deeply ingrained cultural practice affecting an estimated 200 million women and girls worldwide, especially in at least 25 African countries, parts of the Middle East, and Asia. Despite the widespread recognition of its harmful effects, FGM/C continues to be performed, often justified by traditional beliefs that seek to control female sexuality and marriageability.
New research reveals a harrowing reality: FGM/C is one of the leading causes of death for girls and young women in countries where the practice is prevalent. This study estimates that FGM/C results in around 44,000 avoidable deaths annually in the 15 African countries analyzed. This equates to a preventable death every 12 minutes, placing FGM/C among the top causes of death for young women, surpassing threats like HIV/AIDS, measles, and meningitis in these regions.
The practice, which involves the partial or complete removal of female genital tissue, can cause severe complications, including excessive bleeding, infections, shock, and obstructed labor, often leading to lifelong health issues. In the countries studied, the percentage of girls undergoing FGM/C is alarmingly high, with Guinea, Mali, and Sierra Leone recording up to 97%, 83%, and 90% prevalence, respectively. Egypt also stands at 87%.
Through a comprehensive analysis of reliable data from 1990 to 2020, the study highlights a significant correlation between the number of girls subjected to FGM/C and their mortality rates. In countries with high prevalence, this cultural practice directly contributes to thousands of deaths each year, and its impact is not just physical—many survivors endure psychological trauma and face social pressures to conform to the practice due to cultural and marriage expectations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, potentially leading to 2 million additional cases of FGM/C and around 4,000 more preventable deaths in the affected regions. This surge further underscores the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
Efforts to combat FGM/C need to be intensified. Legal reforms are necessary, as the practice remains legal in several countries, but laws alone are insufficient. Changing cultural norms through community engagement, education, and grassroots initiatives is vital for eradicating FGM/C. Studies have shown that media campaigns and local educational efforts can be effective in reducing FGM/C rates, as seen in Egypt with the use of social media and films that present alternative views on the practice.
The urgent need to end FGM/C cannot be overstated. With the lives of millions of girls and women at stake, this issue demands the same level of attention and action as other major global health crises. Every year of delay results in tens of thousands more preventable deaths. Ending FGM/C is not just a matter of cultural change—it’s a matter of saving lives.
