FGM Rates Surge as Global Anti-Rights Pushback Intensifies

By Hamu Madzedze

Online Health and Gender Editor

The number of female genital mutilation (FGM) cases has increased by 15% over the last 8 years, despite promises to end the practice by 2030.

This alarming trend is attributed to the growing backlash against gender equality, with experts warning of a sinister link between gender injustice and patriarchy, capitalism, militarisation, and religious fundamentalism.

Experts are sounding the alarm, stating that progress made on gender equality and human rights is being threatened by anti-rights movements and governments withdrawing from international organisations.

Shobha Shukla, SHE & Rights Coordinator and Host, highlighted the need to acknowledge this link, citing the impact of patriarchal and capitalist systems on gender justice.

The US withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN entities, has forced countries to reduce health activities, especially around sexual and reproductive health.

Dr Mabel Bianco, a noted feminist leader, expressed deep concern over this move.

"It appears as if gender equality, right to health, and human rights of women and girls are of no interest to them"pointed out Dr Bianco

Feminist movements are organising to counter the conservative agenda and push forward a progressive agenda centred on autonomy, rights, and dignity. Paola Salwan Daher, Senior Director for Collective Action, Women Deliver, emphasised the need for global solidarity and collective action.

"We need to build our own global solidarity movement that centres feminist principles."

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a crucial accountability mechanism, but its effectiveness relies on public oversight and government commitment.

Dr Virginia Kamowa, Regional and Country Engagement Manager, Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion, explained that UPR provides a clear accountability pathway, linking global obligations to national policies and budgets.

In the Philippines, the PINSAN network is calling for the decriminalisation of abortion, citing the country's restrictive laws and the need for bodily autonomy and compassionate healthcare.

Pauline Fernandez, Coordinator, PINSAN, stated that no one should be punished for accessing care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, with 68 million girls at risk of undergoing FGM between 2015 and 2030. The practice is most common in Africa, with 144 million cases, followed by Asia with 80 million, and the Middle East with 6 million. FGM can lead to severe health complications, including chronic pain, infections, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of childbirth complications.