Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a human rights violation, a form of violence and discrimination against girls and women. It is most often carried out on girls between infancy and age 15, though adult women are also subjected.
Where are women living with the consequences of female genital mutilation or at risk in Europe?
In Europe, it is estimated that around 600,000 women and girls are living with the consequences of FGM/C and that a further 190,000 girls and women are at risk of undergoing the harmful practice in 17 European countries alone (Updated Map 2024 End FGM European Network). As well as girls and women in diaspora communities, there is also evidence of the practice in non-diaspora communities in Azerbaijan, Russia and Georgia.
Are there laws against female genital mutilation in Europe?
21 European countries have specific laws or legal provisions against female genital mutilation. Additionally, in 2024, the European Union adopted the Directive on Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, which criminalizes FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence, ensuring uniform punishment across the Union while establishing minimum rights for survivors, including access to specialist support services, the obligation for member states to implement preventive measures and professional training.
