Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an extreme form of violence against women and girls. It is a severe human rights violation with life-long consequences for hundreds of millions of women and girls who are cut across the world.

Since 2008, UNFPA and UNICEF lead the largest global programme to accelerate the elimination of FGM. The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation is active in 17 of the worst affected countries globally, including Djibouti, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. 

Across the five countries in the Arab region, UNFPA delivers creative solutions to end FGM in partnership with women and girls, men and boys, local leaders and communities. 

The five life-changing stories provide a glimpse into how UNFPA and partners everyday accelerate innovation and invest in women’s leadership, networks, technology and social entrepreneurship to eliminate the scourge of FGM.