2025 Annual Report: UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation

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The UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation 2025 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of progress, challenges and lessons across 18 programme countries. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative evidence, it highlights what works and identifies priority actions to accelerate impact.

In 2025, the Programme deepened strategic, system-wide approaches, strengthening partnerships with faith-based actors, leveraging digital innovation, and expanding prevention, protection and care services for women and girls. Notably, engagement across sectors and institutions has helped drive more sustainable change.

However, budget cuts posed a serious challenge in 2025 as several of the world’s largest donor governments made significant reductions to development and humanitarian aid. Despite these challenges, continued commitment and collective action are sustaining progress and driving momentum to accelerate efforts to end FGM.

Key achievements from 2025 include:

• Over 2.2 million girls and women received prevention and protection services, more than double the number reached in 2024.
• Over 560,000 girls and women received FGM-related health services, counselling, and referrals, a fivefold increase compared to 2024.
• Nearly 1.8 million girls and young women participated in social and behaviour change programmes like life skills education.
• Over 1.2 million men and boys actively participated in activities to promote positive masculinity and advocate for FGM elimination.
• Over 313 million people were reached through mass media on FGM, women’s and girls’ rights, and gender equality
• Over 7.5 million people participated in community dialogues, with 4.3 million people making public declarations to abandon FGM practices.
• Landmark legal advances were achieved, including the explicit prohibition of FGM in Guinea’s and Djibouti’s new Constitution.

Looking ahead to 2030, accelerating progress will depend on stronger domestic ownership, sustainable financing, and continued system transformation. Efforts to address FGM require sustained, long-term commitment, strong national leadership and integration into policies, systems, and public budgets. Together, these actions can drive lasting change and bring us closer to eliminating FGM.