As a journalist, the words you write have the power to change the hearts and minds of millions. It’s a serious responsibility, especially when it comes to serious issues such as female genital mutilation.

You can also explore our Canada-specific factsheet.

FGM is present on every continent except Antarctica

FGM is present in at least 92 countries, all of which need to be under the international spotlight. There is growing evidence that FGM takes place across the world, in numerous countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and North America, amongst indigenous and/or diaspora communities.

There are 32 countries where nationally representative data on FGM is available. In addition, there are at least 60 other countries where the practice of FGM has been documented either through indirect estimates, small-scale studies, or anecdotal evidence and media reports.

If we want to achieve worldwide eradication of FGM by 2030, we must measure FGM prevalence in every country and accelerate global efforts to end this harmful practice.

You have the power to make a change

You have the power to protect women’s and girls’ rights and help educate those who still believe it’s a necessary rite of passage for a girl, required for hygiene, or a prerequisite to marriage. You have the power to stop the perpetuation of untruths. You have the power to remind your audience that it is a woman’s or girl’s right not to be cut. That it is illegal. That it is an abuse of human rights.

Thank you to all of those who have accurately written, reported, tweeted, blogged, and even TikToked about FGM. It all matters.

FGM is a complex subject and it can be challenging to write about. Many shy away from it. Many misreport on it. Some even advocate for it. Many just don’t understand it. Sometimes the coverage retraumatizes the women and girls it should be protecting. Inaccurate and unethical reporting can perpetuate the human rights violation that we are all committed to ending. It’s time to do better.

If you are already covering FGM, or if you want to write about it, but are not confident in the subject, then please explore our “Journalists’ Handbook on Female Genital Mutilation.” Written by leading FGM experts, with contributions from some of the best journalists and broadcasters in the business, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate and learn how to report on FGM with accuracy, sensitivity, and authority.

We hope the toolkit will be adopted and shared by a wide range of editors, media houses, influencers, civil society organizations, and journalists, becoming a standardized benchmark for informed and conscientious reporting on FGM.

Female genital mutilation is a human rights violation. Together we will end it. Are you in?