Novo Nordisk Foundation joins global efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation

18 Dec 2024

An adolescent girl, part of a new generation in Eritrea growing up without the threat of female genital mutilation. © UNFPA Eritrea

NEW YORK, 18 DECEMBER 2024 – The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation is pleased to announce a significant new partnership with Denmark’s Novo Nordisk Foundation. This collaboration establishes the foundation as the first philanthropic organization from the private sector to contribute to the joint programme's efforts.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation's generous funding will directly support initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as regional and global coordination efforts. Their contribution aligns with sustainable development goal (SDG) 5 – accelerating progress for gender equality – benefiting millions of girls and women.

Group of young people laughing. — Women and girls in Dalocha District in Ethiopia. © UNFPA Ethiopia/MOPIX Production

A transformative impact

Globally, an estimated 230 million women and girls have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Despite ongoing efforts, nearly 4.4 million girls are still at risk every year, which this partnership will address through:

Community engagement: Empowering grassroots organizations of women, survivors, and youth to lead abandonment initiatives.
Policy and advocacy: Promoting accountability frameworks through collaboration with regional bodies like the African Union.
Innovative communications: Expanding digital storytelling, media campaigns, and grassroots advocacy to foster social norm changes.
Service delivery: Enhancing access to health, social, and legal services for survivors.

Through this partnership, the Joint Programme will also continue its impactful work in changing harmful social norms, strengthening laws, and empowering communities to end female genital mutilation sustainably.

Setting a precedent

The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s commitment serves as a powerful example of the role and impact of the private sector and philanthropy in scaling up efforts around the global agenda for women and girls. Their contribution reinforces the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing harmful practices like female genital mutilation.

As part of this partnership, the Foundation will join the Programme’s Steering Committee, contributing strategic oversight and guidance to ensure effective implementation and impactful results.

A call for action

UNFPA-UNICEF warmly invite more private sector partners to follow the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s lead. With collective action, the goal of ending female genital mutilation by 2030 is within reach.

Group of young female students smile through the camera. — Pauline, Rhoda, Benedicta and Elizabeth, primary school students in Kenya, are against female genital mutilation because they are aware of its negative effects. © UNFPA/Georgina Goodwin

About the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme Since 2008, the Joint Programme has been the largest global initiative to eliminate female genital mutilation, operating across 18 priority countries in Africa, the Arab States and Asia. The Programme works through partnerships with governments, civil society, and local communities to accelerate progress toward a world free of female genital mutilation.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is a Danish philanthropic foundation with a long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. The Foundation supports research, innovation, and education within the fields of bioscience and social development.