We applied to put female genitalia on UNESCO’s World Heritage List

The Finnish International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) combats Female Genital Mutilation in East Africa but in 2023 they were facing funding loss as this ongoing tragedy was disappearing from the public eye. FGM is often seen as distant, when in reality it’s hindering the economical, cultural and social development of hundreds of millions of people and communities worldwide as well as in Finland.

As a last resort, The ISF decided to turn to the ultimate guardian of
humanity’s most priceless heritage. On the International Day of the Girl Child, Oct. 11th, the ISF submitted the application to Finland’s UNESCO representatives and ministries demanding the inclusion of female genitalia on UNESCO World Heritage List.

The act was embraced by major news outlets in Finland. It also made front page news in Kenya, a key country in battling FGM, urging decision-makers to take action against the deadly tradition.

And crucially, it led to record-breaking donations, securing ISF’s future work and giving new hope for the fight against female genital mutilation.