FGM Law: Colombia Is the First Latin American Country to Ban Female Genital Mutilation
On June 10, 2026, Colombia approved legislation prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). An important and meaningful date to celebrate the advancement of women’s and girls’ rights.
Colombia is the first Latin American country to adopt a specific legislation to ban FGM with Bill 440 of 2025, known as Proyecto de Ley No. 440 de 2025 Senado-018 de 2024 Cámara.
Indigenous women from the Emberá community, one of Colombia’s large indigenous communities, from the heavily affected regions of Risaralda and Chocó played a crucial role in the passing of Bill 440, thanks to their commitment and activism, the State for the prevention of FGM has adopted an approach that respects survivors and affected communities.
They created and drove the "Niñas sin Ablación" campaign to finally break the silence and protect girls at risk. The campaign ultimately gave its name to the law.
Credits: Equality Now
The law provides a national policy focused on prevention, survivors’ support, training for healthcare professionals and increased collection and publication of data on FGM.
Its implementation requires the active participation of affected communities, governmental institutions and civil society to raise awareness and foster capacity building.
Bill 440 represents a huge step forward towards a world free from female genital mutilation and gender-based violence.
In February 2025 End FGM EU in partnership with Equality Now and the US End FGM/C Network released the Global Report “The Time is Now: End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, An Urgent Need for Global Response 2025”. The report presents the latest global data on FGM/C and highlights the urgent need to end FGM by 2030. It also features testimonies from survivors, including Ana, an FGM survivor and advocate from the Emberá community.
