Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt launches major medical campaign against FGM
Luxor - As part of Egypt's heightened efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) hosted a significant medical conference in Luxor under the theme "A Shield of Safety Protecting Her from FGM." This initiative forms a crucial pillar of the National Committee for the Eradication of FGM, jointly led by NCCM and the National Council for Women, in partnership with UNICEF.
During the conference, Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, Chairperson of the NCCM, delivered a passionate address emphasizing that any attempt to give a medical cover to FGM—sometimes misrepresented as a legitimate medical procedure—constitutes a false justification for a practice that is both scientifically rejected and criminalized under Egyptian law. She underscored that FGM is a severe violation of girls’ rights and poses life-altering risks to their physical and mental health.
Dr. El Sonbaty affirmed that medical professionals are at the forefront of combatting FGM, not just with their expertise, but with their ethical and humanitarian values. She stressed that the “medical oath” is built on principles of saving lives and protecting bodies, which are fundamentally incompatible with the practice of FGM. She called upon all medical staff to stand firm against its so-called medicalization and reminded them that such acts stand in direct contradiction to the honorable values of the medical profession.
Highlighting NCCM’s autonomous role under Egyptian law, Dr. El Sonbaty outlined its comprehensive approach of education, empowering families, training professionals, and ensuring robust legal enforcement to shield girls from all forms of violence and harmful practices.
With concern and compassion, she declared: "Every girl is a responsibility entrusted to us all. Her protection is a national and humanitarian duty. From historic Luxor, we reaffirm that Egypt—proud of its women through the ages—remains committed to safeguarding its daughters' dignity and will not cease its efforts until FGM is eradicated once and for all."
The conference witnessed strong support from local authorities. Dr. Hesham Abu Zeid, Deputy Governor of Luxor, reiterated the governorate's dedication to eliminating FGM, emphasizing that protecting girls stands at the forefront of the national agenda in accordance with Egypt’s leadership. He reminded attendees that FGM is a crime punishable by law and that its eradication requires the collective mobilization of all sectors of society.
Ms. Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, expressed pride in joining this important gathering, underlining UNICEF’s ongoing support for specialized councils like the NCCM. She called for united efforts, particularly engaging medical professionals, to raise community awareness about the dangers of FGM and actively debunk its medicalization. Ms. Rossi emphasized, “Creating a supportive environment for girls is only possible through solidarity and unified commitment to end all harmful practices.”
Other respected health leaders and academics, including Dr. Abu El Naga Haggagy, President of Luxor's Medical Syndicate; Dr. Saeed El Ghol, Vice President of Luxor University for Community Affairs; Dr. Nahed Mohamed and Dr. Mohamed Shaban, directors at key health authorities, all reinforced the urgent need for continued awareness and cross-sectoral cooperation. They unequivocally stated that FGM has no medical justification and causes grave physical and psychological harm.
Notably, the conference also hosted faith leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities, as well as representatives of national and international organizations, illustrating an inclusive and unified stand against FGM.
Egypt has made significant legislative progress in banning FGM, yet challenges remain due to persistent misconceptions and deep-rooted traditions. The event in Luxor marks another strong step in Egypt’s national campaign—led by women, health experts, faith leaders, and international partners—to ensure every girl’s right to a safe and healthy future.