Nearly Five Million Girls Could Suffer Genital Mutilation in 2026: UN Warns
Around 4.5 million girls worldwide, many under five years old, face the imminent risk of female genital mutilation in 2026. This alarming figure was revealed on Friday, February 6, by various UN agencies, which estimate that nearly 230 million women globally have already undergone this practice.
TL;DR
- Around 4.5 million girls globally face the risk of female genital mutilation by 2026.
- An estimated 230 million women worldwide have already undergone FGM.
- FGM is considered a violation of human rights and can lead to severe health complications.
- Nearly two-thirds of people in countries where FGM is practiced now support its permanent suspension.
- Effective strategies include health education, community engagement, and media use.
- There is a risk that progress could be reversed by potential cuts in international funding for eradication programs.