The Fight Against FGM Is Accelerating — Rate Falls from 1 in 2 to 1 in 3 in a Decade
WHO reports FGM rates have fallen from 1 in 2 to 1 in 3 in a decade, with half of all progress since 1990 achieved in the last 10 years.
The World Health Organization has reported a significant acceleration in the global fight against female genital mutilation.
The number of girls subjected to FGM has fallen from one in two to one in three over the last decade in countries where the practice persists. Strikingly, half of all gains since 1990 were achieved in just the last ten years — suggesting that decades of community engagement are reaching tipping points.
The WHO cited education, media campaigns, and engagement with religious and community leaders as proven solutions. However, it warned that more funding is needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending FGM by 2030.
Key Facts
- FGM rate: 1 in 2 → 1 in 3 over the past decade (Positive News)
- 50% of all progress since 1990 came in the last 10 years
- ~200 million women and girls affected globally
- Key drivers: education, media campaigns, community leader engagement
Why This Matters
FGM affects an estimated 200 million women and girls globally. The acceleration in progress shows that community-led approaches — rather than top-down legislation alone — are working. When social norms begin to shift, change can accelerate rapidly, offering hope for the hardest-to-reach communities.
What We Don't Know Yet
"One in three" is still devastating — millions of girls remain at risk. Progress is uneven; some countries have seen no improvement. The 2030 SDG target will almost certainly not be met. Data collection in some regions is unreliable, and cross-border FGM is a growing challenge.
Sources: Positive News · WHO
Published 17 February 2026 · Category: Community & Society
