Drive to eradicate female genital mutilation

A global drive is underway to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), within a generation. The custom is commonly associated with Africa but is also prevalent in a number of countries in Asia and the Middle East

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FGM prevalence in Africa, age 15-49 (2004Π2015)

0-20%

21-40%

41-60%

61-80%

>80%

Mauritania 69

Mali 89

Niger 2

Chad 44

Egypt 87

Sudan 87

Iraq 8

Eritrea 83

Yemen 19

Senegal 25

Gambia 75

Guinea-Bissau 45

Guinea 97

Sierra Leone 90
 
Liberia 50

C™te dΥIvoire 38

Burkina Faso 76

Ghana 4

Togo 5

Benin 9

Nigeria 25

Cameroon 1

Central African Republic 24

Uganda 1

Tanzania 15

Kenya 21

Ethiopia 74

Somalia 98

Djibouti 93

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FGM FACTS

Worldwide, it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today Ρ including 44 million girls 14 and younger Ρ have undergone some form of FGM. Campaigners say figure is underestimate 

FGM is prevalent in 27 African countries, Yemen, Indonesia, and parts of Iraq, and exists elsewhere in Asia and Middle East

Rooted in wish to control female sexuality but practices vary greatly. Religion, tradition, hygiene among reasons given

Usually involves total or partial removal of external genitalia, including clitoris. Most severe form Π infibulation Π involves stitching of vaginal opening

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Source: UNICEF © GRAPHIC NEWS