UNFPA Policy Brief on Cross-Border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

by Dame Diongue

After reading the Policy Brief on Cross-Border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by UNFPA, I want to share the three most important points I learned and my own honest thoughts.

First, the report shows that FGM is not only a national issue but a regional one that crosses borders. Many families take girls across neighboring countries to cut them in secret where the law is weaker or where it is still culturally accepted. This shows that ending FGM needs more than just laws in one country. It needs countries to work together, share data, and coordinate actions. I found this very important because it shows that culture and geography can both protect and harm children, depending on how society handles them.

Second, the brief explains that despite progress, millions of girls are still at risk. Some parents see FGM as a tradition that prepares girls for marriage or keeps them “pure.” Yet the document shows clearly that FGM causes lasting harm, both physical and psychological. It can lead to infections, childbirth complications, and trauma. For me, this is a sad reality that reflects how harmful traditions can survive under the cover of culture. It also reminds me that education and awareness are more powerful tools than punishment alone.

Third, the authors stress that strong cooperation between border communities, local leaders, and governments is key to ending this practice. Laws alone cannot stop FGM if people still believe in it. Change must come from within communities through conversation, trust, and alternative rites that celebrate girls without harming them. I think this is very true. Real change happens when people understand why something is wrong, not when they are only told it is illegal.

My thoughts: I completely agree with this report. As a humanist, I believe no tradition should come before human wellbeing. FGM is a violation of human rights, and its survival shows how deeply culture can shape people’s actions, even when it hurts others. I respect the effort of organizations like UNFPA that try to bring countries together for a shared solution. But I also think governments must invest more in education for girls and create spaces for open discussion, where people can question harmful customs without fear.

Reading this made me feel both hopeful and challenged. Hopeful, because real progress is happening, and challenged, because much more still needs to be done. The fight against FGM is a test of how much we value reason, empathy, and human dignity above tradition.