Female genital mutilation is a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Internationally recognized as a human rights violation, it is estimated that some 230 million girls and women globally have undergone some form of female genital mutilation. Although the practice is declining in the majority of countries where it is prevalent, most of these countries are also experiencing a high rate of population growth – meaning that the number of girls who undergo female genital mutilation will continue to grow if the practice continues at current levels.

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Data

SDG Indicator 5.2.1 intimate partner violence

Intimate Partner Violence National Level (%)
<3 3-12 12-22 22-33 >33

The designations employed and the presentation of material on the map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNFPA concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Due to coding limitations the wording across the indicators is standard, both in the global page and the individual country pages. The wording is applied homogeneously to all reporting offices and is by no means an endorsement or statement of recognition of sovereignty. A dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties. A dispute exists between the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Events

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2023

calendar_today19 June 2023

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Discover the often hidden impact on domestic and sexual violence of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

UNFPA’s film ‘Behind the Silence’ speaks to the Ukrainians providing vital support to survivors to uncover the scale of the problem.

Statement

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2023

calendar_today13 June 2023

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Publisher

UNFPA

Publication date

May 2023

Resources

UNFPA research on FGM highlights increased risk: A call for evidence and action to end female genital mutilation by 2030

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Video

Earthquake survivors in Türkiye need urgent mental health care

calendar_today05 May 2023

Earthquake survivors in Türkiye need urgent mental health care

Earthquake survivors in Türkiye need urgent mental health care

Millions of survivors of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria are enduring terrible trauma.

See how UNFPA is providing access to mental health and psychosocial support. 

News

Young mothers in Malawi find a space safe from Tropical Storm Freddy’s catastrophic consequences

calendar_today17 April 2023

Young women, including adolescent parents, gather at a UNFPA Safe Space in Bangula camp in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. © UNFPA/Eldson Chagara
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Publication date

Jun 2022

Author

UNFPA

Number of pages

17

Publication

Empowering Adolescent Girls Through Non-Formal Education

A comparative analysis of comprehensive sexuality education, life skills education and protective asset-building approaches

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News

“I know how to listen”: Midwives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo use groundbreaking new birth model to care for pregnant survivors of sexual violence

calendar_today05 April 2023

Midwife Aimée Nzimire assists labouring mother Valerine Mwamini. Though the Panzi hospital's new "Transforming Birth" model is designed to serve survivors of gender-based violence, Ms. Mwamini is not herself a GBV survivor. © UNFPA Democratic Republic of the Congo/Lisa Thanner
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