Stand with girls
who are working to end
female genital mutilation
Across the world it is estimated that at least 200 million girls have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM).
I stand with girls who are working to end FGM
Across the world it is estimated that at least 200 million girls have been subjected to FGM.
This harmful practice has no health benefits for girls or women, and is significantly more likely to end in long-term health risks.
It reflects deep-rooted inequality and is an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is recognised internationally as a violation of the rights of girls and women. If current trends continue, 68 million adolescent girls between ages 15 and 19 will be subjected to the practice by 2030.
FGM. Child marriage. Trafficking. Street harassment. Girls face it all.
But with the support of people like you, a global movement is enabling courageous girls to lead campaigns and change their futures. Together, we can’t be ignored. Together we’ve helped end child marriage in Malawi, won changes for safer streets in Kampala and campaigned to stop the trafficking of girls in Nepal.
When girls are educated and supported – their entire family and community benefits, including boys and men. Because gender inequality affects absolutely everyone. By standing with girls and empowering them to speak up, know their rights and lead, we’re working towards a better, more equal world for all.
There’s still a long way to go to.
Every day, girls are taking on new issues in their communities and we need your help to stand with them. Whether that is signing a petition or emailing your MP, we’ll let you know what you can do to stand with girls and make real change.
Will you support girls who are advocating against Female Genital Mutilation?
Stand with incredible girls like Isatu and Isha
Isatu*, 15
Isatu* was cut at age 10 and married by 13. Soon after, she became a mother and was forced to perform FGM on other girls to make an income for her family.
“I became a Sowei when I was 11, but I didn’t want to do it. My family forced me to. I knew that there were a lot of issues with cutting people. A lot of problems. And especially that death was a risk. So that’s why I never wanted to do it.”
With our support Isatu became an activist against the practice and is now determined to end FGM entirely.
Together with you, we can support girls like Isatu who are working to end Female Genital Mutilation.
Isha*, 16
After Isha was subject to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at 12 years old, she was pressured by her family to get married. Not because her family doesn’t love her, but because many families believe that marriage is the only way their daughters can live a comfortable and stable life.
As difficult as it was, Isha refused to be married.
Now, she lives at a school that supports young people who have experienced difficulties at home.
She is part of Plan International’s Girl Power Group, where she mentors other young people, telling them about their bodies and their rights, and how to protect themselves from FGM and child marriage.
Support Girls To End FGM
In Guinea, FGM often forms part of a girl’s passage from childhood to adult, preparing them for life as a woman in her community.
Nearly 97% of Guinean women between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM.
In 2007, Plan International Guinea started the ‘Save Girls from FGM’ project which works with religious leaders and community cutters to encourage them to formally abandon the practice. The project maintains all the positive cultural aspects of the initiation ceremony, but without the physical cutting of girls.
During the alternative ceremony, adolescent girls gather together in groups and spend a few days camping in the forest under the guidance of older women from the community.