Sweden's new contribution towards ending female genital mutilation

UNITED NATIONS, New York – The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has pledged an additional contribution of SEK75.0 million – approximately US$ 6.9 million – to the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme to eliminate female genital mutilation. Sida’s new funding reflects the Government’s continued commitment to being at the forefront of global efforts to eliminate this harmful practice. 

Female genital mutilation is deeply entrenched in many countries across the world,  damaging the physical and mental health of millions of girls and women. As well as the health risks, the practice is a human rights violation that perpetuates gender inequality. Today, it is estimated that 200 million girls and women have undergone some form of female genital mutilation, and an estimated 68 million girls are at risk of being subjected to it up to 2030.

These may seem like faceless numbers, but we must remember that each one reflects the true story of a woman or a girl forced to live under the threat of the practice and keep fighting for her rights. 

Zekia, now 16, is from Ethiopia, one of the 17 countries where the Joint Programme operates. In Ethiopia, around 25 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation. Zekia, with the help of her brother, saved their sister from undergoing female genital mutilation at a very young age, in a region where the practice is deeply rooted and prevalent. Zekia started actively working to advocate to abandon it in her community, where she also involved boys and men as part of the fight. And with no girls in her age group at her school having been subjected to female genital mutilation, her efforts have been recognized by members of her community and local authorities. As a driver of positive change, Zekia embodies the Joint Programme’s commitment to strengthen the agency of women and girls.

Zekia’s story shows how one girl can make a change in her community, and how determination and collective action can spark real transformation if communities around the world are able to protect their rights and are supported with tailored investments. Through the Joint Programme, UNFPA and UNICEF support girls like Zekia as advocates to make a difference in their communities. The Joint Programme has made remarkable strides in eliminating female genital mutilation: To date, it has reached over 50 million people through mass and social media campaigns, and over 41.2 million people have participated in public declarations against the practice. Since 2008, more than 47 million public declarations have been made to stop this harmful practice, and a record number of nearly 50,000 religious, community, and traditional leaders have publicly denounced female genital mutilation.

By partnering with UNFPA and UNICEF, Sida supports the creation of lasting impacts, overturning harmful norms and paving the way for a future where women and girls can live free from female genital mutilation.  

The joint programme is generously supported by the governments of Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as the European Union (through the  Spotlight Initiative Africa regional programme).