The research aims to provide the baseline for the 4-year project (2015-2018), Empowering communities to collectively abandon FGM/C in Somaliland, implemented by ActionAid International Somaliland (AAIS) in partnership with Women Action for Advocacy & Progress Organization (WAAPO) and Somaliland Women Development Association (SOWDA). The research took place in 25 communities in two regions of Somaliland, Maroodi Jeex and Togdheer, involving 2,132 participants, including women, men, boys, girls, religious leaders, health workers, teachers, law enforcers, community leaders, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and national and international agencies.
The research found that the overall prevalence rate among community women in Maroodi Jeex and Togdheer remains high at 99.4%, with 80% having undergone the pharaonic cut. The reasons for cutting to continue are deeply embedded cultural practices, closely linked to proof of virginity for marriage and Islamic law. There is a strong expectation in communities for girls to be cut, which is felt more strongly among women than men. The majority of community members intend to cut their daughters in the future, with women intending to select a less severe cut than they perceive the community expects them to use.
Decision-making in relation to female cutting is primarily the responsibility of women, with women facing difficult decisions, wanting their daughters to be socially acceptable and able to marry, yet also wanting them not to suffer the kinds of health complications experienced by themselves and other women in their community. Men and boys are only involved in the decision-making process in 8% of households, but they are influential in creating the social climate within which decision-making about cutting takes place.
All forms of female genital cutting are legal in Somaliland, although FGM/C is identified as a harmful practice in the Gender Policy (2009) and the National Youth Policy (2010-2015). The government is committed to developing FGM/C policy and establishing a sound legal framework based on Zero Tolerance. However, the Ministry for Religious Affairs (MoRA) supports the continuation of the sunna cut, which is slowing the process of policy development and legislative enactment on FGM/C.
There is clear evidence of a desire for change in relation to FGM/C among all stakeholder groups, including religious leaders, MoRA, and senior clerics. Only 18% of community members would like to maintain the existing situation in their community, leaving 82% of community members interested in supporting change. The research suggests that changing cultural practices and social norms around FGM/C is a complex and long-term process that requires multi-stakeholder engagement and involvement, addressing the root causes, and promoting gender equality and human rights.