Investing in the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation: Why Sustained Commitment Matters in the Maldives

The global movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has shifted its focus toward a long-term strategy centered on increased investment and sustained commitment. For the Maldives, this message is particularly timely. While progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of FGM, emerging risks remind us that sustaining progress requires resources, evidence and strengthened alliances. 

FGM is a human rights violation that infringes on the fundamental rights of girls and women, and can have short-term to lifelong health impacts on their physical, sexual and mental health. Ending FGM is not only a public health imperative, but a matter of dignity, equality, and justice.

Progress achieved - but not secured

National survey data show a clear generational decline in FGM in the Maldives. Older women are significantly more likely to have undergone FGM than younger cohorts, indicating that the practice has reduced over time. This decline reflects years of improved access to health services, education, and shifting social norms.

The data from the Maldives Demographic and Health Survey (DHIS2) provides a profound look into our progress and the work remaining. Nationally, 13% of women aged 15–49 have undergone FGM. However, the generational shift is staggering: while 37.5% of women aged 45–49 were subjected to the practice, that number drops to just 1% among the 15–19 age group. This decline reflects improved access to health services, education and evolving social norms. 

However, available data also indicate that a minority of the population continues to view FGM as acceptable or necessary. Recent service and perception data, including from the national health information system, suggest that around 10 % of people still believe FGM is something that should be practiced. While this represents a minority, its significance should not be underestimated. Social norms are shaped not only by numbers, but by perceived legitimacy, authority, and silence. This concern is reinforced by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, whose Rights’ Side of Life study highlighted a decline in support for gender equality and the emergence of conservative narratives that can normalize harmful practices, even as overall prevalence declines.

One of the most significant risks facing the Maldives today is not a widespread resurgence of FGM, but its silent persistence. The practice can continue in private homes, during early infancy, and in communities with limited access to information, services, and oversight. When framed as a moral obligation, families may feel compelled to comply — even when they have doubts.

At the same time, the lack of recent, comprehensive data limits the ability to detect shifts in practice or perception. When public discourse evolves more rapidly than evidence and policy, harmful norms can take root unnoticed.

A renewed commitment through partnership and investment

In response to these risks, UNFPA is spearheading a new initiative in Asia, including the Maldives. This program focuses on evidence generation, advocacy, and healthcare accountability to advance the universal realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the region. By investing in data, reinforcing institutional responses, supporting health systems, and engaging communities, the initiative seeks to close the gap between commitment and change. UNFPA is undertaking this work with the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Australia is committed to ending sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms and works with partners in the Indo-Pacific to support their efforts to address, respond to and prevent this violence.

Sustained investment for sustained progress

By strengthening alliances among grassroots activists, communities, governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, we can build a powerful social movement that ends harmful norms which perpetuate FGM. 

Inaction has consequences. Without continued commitment, girls risk losing both protection and hope.

Ending FGM in the Maldives requires breaking silos and integrating prevention across education, health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and broader development efforts. It requires mobilizing domestic and international resources, engaging religious and community leaders, and empowering individuals across society to use their influence to protect the rights of girls.

Every investment, every conversation, and every act of accountability brings us closer to a Maldives where every girl grows up safe, respected, and free to make decisions about her own body. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the message is clear - progress must be protected and protection requires sustained commitment. 

This article is first published at UNFPA Maldives website on Investing in the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation: Why Sustained Commitment Matters in the Maldives   

To learn more about the works of UNFPA Maldives Please go to maldives.office@unfpa.org.

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