Female genital mutilation is a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Internationally recognized as a human rights violation, it is estimated that some 230 million girls and women globally have undergone some form of female genital mutilation. Although the practice is declining in the majority of countries where it is prevalent, most of these countries are also experiencing a high rate of population growth – meaning that the number of girls who undergo female genital mutilation will continue to grow if the practice continues at current levels.