22.7 million girls still at risk as Africa steps up war against FGM

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COVAW Board Chairperson Fatuma Ali and End FGM/C Network Africa Board Chairperson Amel Fahmy during the launch of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan in Nairobi, on June 24, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

An estimated 22.7 million girls remain at risk of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) by 2030 unless efforts to end the practice are significantly accelerated, advocates and government officials warned during the launch of the End FGM/C Network Africa’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan in Nairobi.

The warning comes as approximately 230 million women and girls worldwide have already undergone FGM/C, with Africa accounting for about 144 million of those cases.

Launching the strategy, Amel Fahmy Board Chairperson End FGM/C Network Africa said the continent remains at the centre of the global fight against the practice and requires stronger African-led solutions.