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Background 

 

More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is practiced (WHO, 2025). Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified four non-discrete FGM typologies including four types[1], with types 1 and 2 likely the most common. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.-Medicalised FGM has increased in several countries, including Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Northern Sudan, and Yemen, with one-third or more of women in many of these nations having had their daughters cut by trained medical staff (Orchid Project, 2025). Recent systematic reviews on surgical treatment for FGM have highlighted defibulation, clitoral reconstruction, and cyst excision as potential reconstructive procedures for FGM, yet more interdisciplinary research and client-centred guidance is needed on this issue. (Chappell et al., 2021). 

Purpose 

FGM as a form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains persistent across contexts, including in high-income countries, due to the impact of migration, displacement and changes in norms around sexuality. A new IMAP statement on FGM will assess emerging trends in FGM prevalence, map the existing evidence on successful FGM prevention interventions as well as survivor-centred service delivery models.  The statement will also provide evidence-informed recommendations on constructive surgical interventions that can be integrated in SRH and GBV services provided by IPPF Member Associations in FGM prevalent countries and highlight current research gaps.  This statement will also serve as a tool for advocacy to mobilise actors to denounce all forms of FGM and to assert commitment to reduce and eradiate its medicalisation as a violation of human rights and to the providers’ code of conduct. 

The Statement

Length: Ideally six pages – maximum eight pages.

Number of working days: 8-10 working days

Target audience: Primarily IPPF Member Associations. Also, other SRH and GBV organizations, donors, ministries of health and the broader development community, including WHO and other UN agencies.  IMAP Statements have a global reach.

Tone: Evidence-based and technical but accessible, with references to further information for those who want more technical detail or link to guidelines and other resources.  Please review previous IMAP statements via IPPF’s website and use a similar tone/language.

Purpose: Guide IPPF Member Associations and other SRHR organizations to develop, strengthen, and sustain interventions (prevention, survivor-centred response, surgical treatment if needed and advocacy) on FGM services in development and humanitarian settings.