Colombia's First Senate Commission approved a bill to eradicate female genital mutilation, leaving it one step from becoming law. The proposal emphasizes prevention, victim care, and community work in affected areas.
In Cali on March 26, 2026, Colombia's First Senate Commission approved Senate bill 440 of 2025 and House bill 018 of 2024, after its passage in the House of Representatives. It now awaits final debate in the Senate plenary. The legislation aims to prevent, address, and eliminate female genital mutilation through a comprehensive approach protecting girls and women, aligned with international human rights standards rejecting practices harming physical and psychological integrity. Unlike prior efforts, it goes beyond criminal penalties to include prevention measures, victim support, and intercultural strategies in practicing communities, featuring education and awareness for social change. Drawing from experiences in Mali and Egypt—where penalties alone drove practices underground—it integrates education, health, and protection to prevent similar outcomes. The bill enjoys support from lawmakers across parties, the Interior Ministry, international organizations, and civil society. Indigenous leaders back it citing health impacts on girls. Globally, over 230 million women and girls bear consequences of the practice. Congress must approve it by June 2026 to avoid archiving.
