Distribution of FGM/C across Somalia
In 2006, prevalence in the South/Central Zone was 99.2% and in 2011 in the North-East Zone (Puntland) it was 98% (women aged 15–49). There is no geographical breakdown available for the prevalence in 2020.
Across both Somalia and Somaliland, women who live in rural areas are only slightly more likely to undergo FGM/C than those who live in urban areas. The prevalence is highest among nomadic women, but is universally high (over 98%) among women living in all areas.
76.4% of women believe that FGM/C should continue and 18.9% believe that it should not.
While support for Type III (Pharaonic) FGM/C has declined in recent years, other types of FGM referred to as ‘Sunni’ remain popular. More than four in five women in the oldest age group experienced Pharaonic cutting, compared to less than half of women in the youngest age group.
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Trends in FGM Prevalence in Somalia
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FGM/C prevalence among women aged 15–49 has remained broadly consistent for some time.
Breaking down the 2020 data by age group shows that the prevalence for women aged 45–49 is 99.8%, while for the youngest age group it is 98.8%, but some women over the age of 15 may yet be cut.
_cover.jpg "Country Profile Update: FGM in Somalia and Somaliland (2021, English)")
_cover.jpg "Somalia Country Profile Update: Executive Summary (2021, English)")
_cover_sized_for_website.jpg "Executive Summary: FGM in Somalia and Somaliland (2019, English)")
_arabic_cover.jpg "Key Findings: FGM in Somaliland (2019, Arabic)")
_cover_sized_for_website.jpg "Country Profile: FGM in Somalia and Somaliland (2019, English)")
_arabic_cover.jpg "Executive Summary: FGM in Somalia and Somaliland (2019, Arabic)")
_somali_cover.jpg "Executive Summary: FGM in Somalia and Somaliland (2019, Somali)")
_somali_cover.jpg "Key Findings: FGM in Somalia (2019, Somali)")
_arabic_cover.jpg "Somalia: The Law and FGM/C (2018, Arabic)")
_somali_cover.jpg "Key Findings: FGM in Somaliland (2019, Somali)")
_arabic_cover.jpg "Somaliland: The Law and FGM/C (2018, Arabic)")
