State of the World Population 2020: Defying the practices that harm women and girls and undermine equality

Every day, hundreds of thousands of girls around the world are subjected to practices that harm them physically or psychologically, or both, with the full knowledge and consent of their families, friends and communities.

The practices reduce and limit their capacity to participate fully in society and to reach their full potential. The impact ripples throughout society and reinforces the very gender stereotypes and inequalities that gave rise to the harm in the first place.

Three widespread harmful practices are female genital mutilation, child marriage and son preference.