The FGM/C Research Initiative

FGM/C in the Horn of Africa: Signs of Change

Despite the global headline message that there has been little or no change in FGM/C in Somali ethnic communities, significant changes are happening at the sub-national level and in the types of cutting practised, but data, evidence and evaluations of interventions are limited.

This paper seeks to challenge the narrative that nothing is changing and no progress is being made in relation to FGM/C by exploring areas of change; documenting available evidence on how/why certain approaches work; outlining what we know does not work in this context; and discussing the unique contextual dilemmas and challenges to the goal of abandonment within the Horn of Africa.

Date Update: FGM/C in Sierra Leone (2025)

The prevalence of FGM/C in Sierra Leone has decreased from 91.3% to 83% between 2008 and 2019 which appears to indicate some positive progress in eradicating the practice. However, at least 20% of girls are cut after the age of 15 years. Sierra Leone currently lacks legislation that prohibits FGM/C. Despite rising international pressure calling for the end of the practice following the death of three girls in 2024, FGM/C continues to be practiced across the country.

Data Update: FGM/C in Kenya (2025, English)

The national prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Kenya reduced from 37.6% of women aged 15–49 in 1998 to 14.8% in 2022. Orchid Project estimates that prevalence will drop to approximately 10% by 2030. This progress, however significant, is not equally distributed across the country. Ethnicity and social identity are primary drivers of FGM/C in Kenya, and this has created geographical hotspots where prevalence is well above the national average.

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.