UN Applauds Egypt's NCW for Effective Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation

United Nations Commends Egyptian Efforts to Combat FGM

Cairo, February 22, 2025 - In a significant stride towards eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM), the United Nations has lauded the National Council for Women (NCW) in Egypt for its impactful awareness campaigns. This commendation was made during a visit by UN representatives from both the UNICEF and UNFPA, who assessed the progress firsthand.

A Collaborative Approach to Eradicate FGM

The NCW, under the leadership of President Aml Ammar, has been pivotal in this mission since 2000. The council’s strategy involves a multifaceted approach encompassing community education and legislative reforms aimed at protecting women's rights. Significant progress includes the enactment of Law no 10 of 2021, which intensifies penalties associated with FGM, thereby reinforcing legal deterrents.

Empowering Egyptian Women: A National Priority

Aml Ammar emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader national agenda to empower women across Egypt. The political backing for women’s empowerment has been instrumental in driving these changes and ensuring the enforcement of laws against FGM. Door-to-door campaigns have been particularly effective, increasing legal awareness among families across various governorates.

Tangible Results: A Decline in FGM Rates

Thanks to concerted efforts by the NCW, there's a notable decline in FGM rates among girls aged 0-19 years—from 21% in 2014 to 14% in 2021, according to data from CAPMAS. This demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing awareness and educational initiatives.