ANALYSIS OF THE UNICEF 2024 REPORT: Progress on FGM & Geopolitical and climatic consideration
Progress on FGM
Despite the increase in the number of women and girls affected by FGM worldwide, some countries are making progress. This report highlights that in many countries, communities are moving towards abandoning the practice, although progress takes decades; in other countries, levels have stagnated. However, where there have been declines, the pace has significantly accelerated in recent years: half of the progress made in the last 30 years has occurred in the past decade. In Africa and the Middle East, a total of 400 million people two-thirds of the population in FGM affected countries have expressed a desire for the practice to end. As shown in the following figures, there is a group of countries that has made significant progress, another that had achieved some progress, and a final group where little to no progress observed. Significant progress observed in countries such as Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Egypt.
UNICEF, (2024).
In contrast, countries such as Somalia, Mali, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia are still facing challenges and experiencing slower progress, as shown in the following figure.
UNICEF, (2024).
The global campaign to abandon Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has made significant progress in countries like Sierra Leone, thanks to a combination of education, community empowerment, and policy reforms. Ariefa Bockarie Kumara, Founder and Managing Director of Her Future Foundation, highlights key factors driving this progress. Education and awareness have been at the forefront, with targeted programs ensuring that girls stay in school and are protected from harmful practices. Negotiations between parents and stakeholders have facilitated access to free education and provided second chances for school dropouts. For those not pursuing further education, economic empowerment through agricultural activities such as groundnut and rice farming has provided sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives not only promote financial independence but also reduce reliance on harmful practices like FGM and early marriage.
Sustainable anti-FGM projects have been instrumental in ensuring that progress is long-lasting. By creating safe and supportive environments, communities have fostered spaces where girls can meet regularly to discuss challenges and seek support. When problems arise, they can turn to legal services, civil society organisations, or other entities for assistance. At the grassroots level, focused group discussions and key informant interviews have been vital in promoting community ownership of the fight against FGM. These engagements enable communities to challenge traditional norms and collectively work toward abandonment. Furthermore, empowering local organizations through training has strengthened their capacity to lead these efforts effectively.
On the policy front, inclusive reforms have proven critical. Policies amended with active community participation foster a sense of ownership, enhancing their acceptance and impact.
Despite these advancements, several challenges persist. Limited resources remain a significant barrier, with insufficient funding to support training, lobbying for gender rights, and visiting remote communities. Transportation costs further restrict the ability to reach rural areas where FGM practices are most entrenched. The absence of safe homes for girls in emergencies is another critical gap, leaving those at risk with few options for protection. Political will is also undermined by conflicts of interest, as some politicians support FGM to gain votes or remain silent to avoid alienating certain voter bases.
Ariefa’s insights underscore both the progress achieved and the obstacles that remain. While education, grassroots engagement, and sustainable projects continue to drive change, addressing resource gaps, creating safe spaces, and fostering unified political commitment are crucial to ensuring the complete abandonment of FGM in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Geopolitical and climatic consideration as factors also affecting FGM prevalence
There are other primary factors such as, geopolitical issues and climate, which also play a significant role in hindering the eradication of FGM, particularly in conflict zones.
The report further explores how these geopolitical and climatic conditions affect efforts to eliminate FGM. Conflict and poverty are two significant factors that complicate efforts to eradicate FGM, particularly in countries such as Somalia and Sudan. .These issues divert resources and disrupt programs aimed at advancing gender equality. Climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity in Ethiopia pose additional hurdles to maintaining consistent program delivery. In vulnerable countries, 4 out of 10 girls are at risk of FGM, underscoring the urgent need to address the alarming rates and the overall increase of female genital mutilation. These circumstances provide unique challenges due to the context, complicating efforts to address the needs of girls who have undergone FGM and to implement effective programs and policies to combat the practice. The following section illustrates the number of girls aged 15 to 49 who have undergone FGM in such fragile situations.
Références
- UNICEF (2024). Global Report on Female Genital Mutilation: New Data and Progress Analysis. UNICEF. Available here
