Female genital mutilations (MGF) refer to all procedures involving partial or total elimination of female external genitals or other injuries to female genital organs for non -medical reasons, according to the World Health Organization (OM ).
“More than 230 million living girls and women today are survivors of this odious practice”, ” said UN secretary general António Guterres in his message for the day, describing him as “one of the most brutal manifestations of gender inequality”.
The United Nations Sexual Health and Reproduction Agency (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization have reaffirmed that MGFs have no advantage for health, with life consequences, in particular serious infections, complications of childbirth, chronic pain and psychological trauma.
“The eradication of this vicious human rights violation is urgent, and it is possible”, “ Mr. Guterres stressed.
Progress and challenges
Since 2008, the joint program of UNFPA-Unicef on the elimination of MGFs, in collaboration with WHO, has provided prevention and protection services nearly seven million girls and women.
The initiative also mobilized 12,000 local organizations and formed 112,000 community and leading workers. In addition, 48 million people have publicly declared their commitment to end the practice.
Despite these efforts, the elimination route remains steep. Only seven of the 31 countries The available data is on the right track to achieve the objective of sustainable development objectives (SDGs) to end genital mutilation by 2030.
Meanwhile, in Gambia, tries to repeal the ban on genital mutilation, threatens to reverse the years of progress, stressing the fragility of existing gains.
‘Show the rhythm’
The theme of this year, intensifies the pace, serves as an appeal to accelerate global efforts to eliminate genital mutilation and dismantle sex and harmful social norms that perpetuate it.
“We must strengthen global movements to Decompose attitudes, beliefs and gender stereotypesS, “said Mr. Guterres.
A key element of this effort is the pact for the future, adopted by the Member States of the United Nations last September. This global commitment aims to combat sexual discrimination and harmful social norms, ensuring that laws and policies align with efforts to end the MFC in the world.
Inaction cost
The failure of the end of the MGF has disastrous social, economic and health consequences. According to the WHO, the treatment of health complications of genital mutilation costs $ 1.4 billion health care systems a year.
Meanwhile, the mental and emotional assessment on survivors can last a lifetime, which has an impact on their studies, their employment and their general well-being.
With less than five years to reach the target of 2030, the UN is asking for stronger alliances, an increase in investments and a sustained advocacy.
“Let’s do forces to make the female history of genital mutilation And ensure a better, healthier and fairer future for all women and girls around the world, ” Mr. Guterres concluded.
