From grassroots action to global advocacy, WAVE Foundation Africa says ending FGM must start in communities—and start now.
Marking the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), WAVE Foundation Africa has renewed its commitment to scale up community-led prevention, strengthen survivor support, and link grassroots realities with global advocacy to end the practice.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the foundation’s President, Ms Lola Ibrahim, described FGM as a gross human rights violation, a serious public health issue, and an injustice that strips girls of their autonomy—often before they can speak for themselves.
Citing WHO figures, Ibrahim noted that 4.5 million girls, many under five, are currently at risk, with 22.7 million more likely to be affected by 2030 if current trends persist. Globally, over 230 million girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM, costing at least $1.4 billion annually in treatment.
While acknowledging progress in Nigeria and across Africa, she warned that deep-rooted norms, misinformation, and weak law enforcement continue to fuel the practice. Still, she remains hopeful.
“We’ve seen communities change when engaged with respect, evidence and empathy. Change is possible—and it’s already happening,” she said.
Ibrahim stressed that ending FGM requires political will, sustained funding, and strong community ownership, adding that the ultimate goal is a future where no girl has to recover from a practice that should have disappeared long ago.
She also thanked partners, donors, volunteers, media, traditional and religious leaders, government agencies and civil society groups, urging all stakeholders to move beyond words to decisive action.
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