Distribution of FGM/C across Iraqi Kurdistan
Two of Kurdistan’s governorates – Suleimaniya and Erbil – have an FGM/C prevalence of more than 45%. These are the most southern and eastern governorates of Kurdistan. The third governorate of Dohuk in the north has a low FGM/C prevalence of 1.5%.
There is little difference between the FGM/C prevalence in urban (43%) and rural (42%) areas. Women with no formal or only basic educations are more likely to have had FGM/C (55%) than women with secondary or higher levels of education (33%).
Women in the lowest wealth quintile are more likely to have been cut (57%) than those in the highest wealth quintile (26%).
86.1% of women have heard of FGM/C. Although the last MICS survey stated that 93.6% of women who have heard of FGM/C believe it should be stopped, attitudes appear to vary: there is greater support for the practice among those with lower levels of education. In the majority of cases, it is reported that mothers make the decisions around FGM/C, and in more than half of cases religion is cited as the reason for the practice.
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Trends in FGM Prevalence in Iraqi Kurdistan
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Measurements of FGM/C prevalence prior to 2013 were restricted to women who had been married at any time, meaning that a direct comparison cannot be made.
However, breaking down the most recent data by age group shows that the prevalence among women aged 45–49 is 55%, while among the youngest age group this has fallen to 29%. Despite the fact that a small proportion of women may be cut after the age of 15, the data suggests a trend towards less frequent cutting among younger women.
_cover.jpg "FGM/C in Iraqi Kurdistan: Short Report (2020, English)")
_sorani_cover.jpg "FGM/C in Iraqi Kurdistan: Short Report (2020, Sorani)")
