The FGM/C Research Initiative

Data Update: FGM/C in Burkina Faso (2024)

The prevalence of FGM/C in Burkina Faso has reduced from 75.8% to 56.1% between 2010 and 2021. Within the 15–19 age group (those most recently exposed to the risk of FGM/C), prevalence has reduced from 57.7% to 32.2%. FGM/C has been illegal in Burkina Faso since 1996, and the Government has made a substantial effort to implement the law, taking innovative approaches (mobile community courts, translation of the law into multiple languages and engagement with key stakeholders) that have built greater respect for the law within communities.

FGC in Asia: Short Report Series (2024)

This Short Report series brings together the latest available data on FGM/C across eight countries* in South and Southeast Asia. In most of the countries, there is no government health or other official survey data documenting FGM/C. These reports rely on academic journal articles, local NGO reports and news media report.

The term ‘female genital cutting’ (FGC), rather than ‘female genital mutilation and cutting’ (FGM/C), is the main term used throughout these Short Reports, as the communities that practise it do not regard the practice to be ‘mutilation’.

* This short report series covers the following countries: Brunei, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Malaysia Country Profile (2024)

This Country Profile provides comprehensive information on the most recent trends and data on female genital cutting (FGC) in Malaysia. It includes an analysis of the current socio-political situation, legal frameworks and programmes to make recommendations on how to move toward eradicating the practice. Its purpose is to equip activists, practitioners, development partners and research organisations with the most up-to-date information to inform decision-making on policy and practice in the Malaysian and South East Asian contexts. Academic research undertaken by professionals of various disciplines form the backbone of this Country Profile, as do reports and statements by both governmental and non-governmental organisations, postgraduate research, media materials, webinars and documentary videos.

Legislative and Policy Framework Options for Somalia (2023, English)

This research, undertaken by Orchid Project, was commissioned by Ifrah Foundation with the purpose of scoping the parameters which have been present, and potentially influential, in reducing FGM/C prevalence in countries neighbouring Somalia. The purpose was to better understand the structures which have influenced and/or supported the introduction of FGM/C legislation and policy. The report finds that legislation and policy frameworks are correlated with reductions in prevalence of FGM/C, however, the relationship between them varies. What can be seen clearly from the data is that the legislation and policy frameworks have not had an influence in Somali communities where prevalence has remained high over time. 

FGM/C in Ethiopia: Country Profile Update (2023, English)

This Country Profile Update provides comprehensive information on the most recent trends and data on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Ethiopia. It includes an analysis of the current political situation, legal frameworks and programmes to make recommendations on how to move toward eradicating the practice. This report serves as an update to 28 Too Many’s 2013 Country Profile. The prevalence of FGM/C in Ethiopia appears to be decreasing. According to DHS reports, it has reduced from 79.9% of women aged 15–49 in 2000 to 74.3% in 2005 and to 65.2% in 2016. However, one concern is that the population of Ethiopia is growing, resulting in an increase in the number of girls at risk.

FGM/C in Nigeria: Country Profile Update (2023, English)

This Country Profile Update provides comprehensive information on the most recent trends and data on FGM/C in Nigeria. It includes an analysis of the current political situation, legal frameworks and programmes to make recommendations on how to move towards eradicating the practice. This report serves as an update to 28 Too Many’s 2006 Country Profile. 

The prevalence of FGM/C in Nigeria appears to be decreasing. In 2013, 24.8% of women aged 15–49 years had been cut, and in 2018 this figure was down to 19.5%. In 2018, 13.7% of women in Nigeria aged 15–19 had undergone FGM/C, as opposed to 31.0% of women aged 45–49. However, there is some evidence from interviews conducted in Nigeria that at least part of the reported decrease is due to social desirability bias and community self-surveillance of cutting, as a result of which women will be more reluctant to report that they have been cut.