The Cost of Inaction: Why We Must Invest Now to End FGM in West, Central Africa

Introduction

On February 6th, the world observes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In West and Central Africa, this date represents far more than a symbolic gesture—it stands as a critical moment of reckoning for the rights, health, and futures of millions of girls and women. With 17 of the 27 most affected African countries located in this region, the concentration of risk makes West and Central Africa central to achieving the global goal of zero FGM by 2030.

Key Points

Background

Female Genital Mutilation is not a private matter, cultural rite, or medical procedure—it is a profound human rights violation that infringes upon a girl’s right to life, health, physical integrity, and freedom from gender discrimination and cruel treatment. The practice leaves lasting psychological scars that span a lifetime, affecting over 230 million women and girls globally. Each year, 4 million more girls face this risk, with half under the age of five.

Despite decades of advocacy, progress remains dangerously slow. While half of all gains against FGM in the past 30 years occurred in just the last decade, this pace falls drastically short of what’s needed. To meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030, the rate of decline must accelerate 27 times faster—meaning we must protect 4 million girls annually who are currently projected to undergo this harmful practice.

Analysis

The urgency of addressing FGM in West and Central Africa cannot be overstated. This region bears a disproportionate burden, housing 17 of the 27 African countries with the highest prevalence rates. The concentration of risk here makes it impossible to achieve global elimination without significant progress in these nations.

The economic implications of inaction are staggering. Healthcare systems spend approximately USD 1.4 billion annually treating FGM-related complications—a figure that will only increase without elimination efforts. Conversely, the business case for investment is compelling: every dollar invested in ending FGM yields a return of ten dollars through healthcare savings and the transformative economic gains that follow when girls remain protected.

By 2030, an estimated 23 million additional girls could undergo FGM if current trends continue. This projection represents not just a health crisis but a profound failure of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Practical Advice

To accelerate progress toward ending FGM in West and Central Africa, stakeholders must take concrete actions:

**Break down silos** by integrating FGM prevention into health, education, and economic systems. This holistic approach ensures that anti-FGM messaging and services reach girls and families through multiple touchpoints.

**Diversify funding sources** by strengthening domestic resources, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and engaging the private sector. Sustainable funding requires moving beyond traditional donor models to create resilient financing structures.

**Invest in innovation** to reach remote and marginalized communities. Technology, mobile health initiatives, and community-based approaches can extend protection to girls who might otherwise be left behind.

**Empower grassroots movements** through sustained and flexible funding that allows local organizations to scale their impact and drive lasting change within their communities.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2026 International Day theme, “Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” serves as a powerful call to action. We know what works: education, community engagement, and working with healthcare providers to transform social norms. By securing sustained and flexible funding, we can empower grassroots movements to scale their impact and drive lasting change.

This is a call to action for every member of society—from men and women, boys and girls, families and traditional and religious leaders to governments and the private sector. Use your influence and skill sets to invest in a future free from FGM. The stakes could not be higher; an estimated 23 million additional girls are at risk of undergoing FGM by 2030 unless we accelerate our actions.

Every public declaration, every policy change, and every dollar invested brings us closer to a world where a girl’s body is respected and her future is protected. We have the tools; we now need the collective will to fund the future these girls deserve.