France Cracks Down on Abuse of Women With Bold Ads Targeting Muslim Migrant Communities
3rd September 2026
France has launched an advertising campaign to combat the surge in female genital mutilation, as statistics show that 1 in 10 girls living in districts with large Muslim communities are being coerced into this cruel practice.
The three-monthslong campaign, which coincides with the school holiday season when parents are most likely to take their daughters abroad for the procedure, will conclude on Sept. 2.
Hoardings on bus shelters are warning parents: “Female genital mutilation should never be part of the journey.” The advertisement features an image of a young girl whose genitals have been mutilated.
The charity “Excision, parlons-en!” (Let’s Talk About Female Genital Mutilation!) is offering an awareness kit as it partners with the French government. According to statistics provided by the nongovernmental organization, 180,000 girls risk being “cut” each year in Europe.