Meeting Report: 2023 Annual Technical Consultation on UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation

The 2023 Annual Technical Consultation, hosted by the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, brought together around 100 participants from UNFPA and UNICEF teams, as well as experts and activists, to exchange lessons, achievements and challenges in FGM programming.

The consultation focused on three main themes: evidence, innovations and youth engagement. The discussions covered topics such as data utilization, research quality, social norms measurement, public declarations, humanitarian-development nexus, systems strengthening, media and movement building, girls’ empowerment and accountability.

The consultation provided valuable insights and suggestions for improving the effectiveness and impact of the Joint Programme. These include strengthening the evidence base and data use, fostering collaboration and coordination among sectors and stakeholders, enhancing advocacy and innovation, and empowering girls and youth to lead the movement to end FGM.

The consultation also highlighted the urgency and complexity of the challenge to eliminate FGM by 2030, especially in the context of the polycrisis caused by conflict, climate change, displacement and public health emergencies. The Joint Programme must scale up multisectoral interventions, focusing on prevention and response, while adapting to evolving humanitarian situations.

The consultation marked a pivotal moment for knowledge exchange and strategic planning within the Joint Programme. The insights gained will guide future programming and enable collective progress towards a world where FGM is eliminated, gender equality is realized, and the rights and well-being of women and girls are safeguarded.