Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the non-therapeutic modification, removal, or harm of external female reproductive organs.
The World Health Organization notes that in societies where FGM is prevalent, it is often viewed as a crucial aspect of preparing girls for adulthood and marriage. The practice is believed to preserve “virginity” and deter promiscuity.
FGM is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in over 30 African nations and in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Here are five countries where FGM is still practiced, according to data from the FGM/C Research Initiative:
1. Indonesia
Indonesia, FGM is widespread among the Muslim population, affecting over 70 million women and girls—about 90% of the community. This accounts for 35% of the global cases of FGM. Despite its prevalence, there are no specific laws in Asian countries prohibiting the practice, leaving it legally unregulated across the region.
2. Saudi Arabia
In Jeddah and Hali, located in Al Qunfudhah Governorate, Saudi Arabia, female genital mutilation (FGM) is common, despite being internationally recognized as illegal. There is no specific law against it in the country, with 18.2% of women—approximately one in five—reporting having experienced FGM/C, while 3.3% did not know whether they had.
3. Yemen
Research indicated that in the coastal regions of Yemen, the rate of FGM was found to be 89.0% among women, and 79.8% among their youngest daughters in the surveyed families. Additionally, two-thirds of women and half of the men had limited understanding of its harmful impacts.
4. Somalia
Somalia reports the highest incidence of FGM globally, with 98% of girls between the ages of 5 and 11 undergoing Type III infibulation, the most extreme form of female genital mutilation. UNICEF estimates that at least 200 million girls across 31 countries have experienced FGM.
5. Egypt
Egypt reports one of the highest incidences of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) worldwide. An alarming 87.2% of women aged 15–49 in Egypt have undergone this harmful procedure, reflecting the country’s large population of approximately 95 million.
Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
Although FGM is prohibited in some nations, it continues to be practiced in many others, either legally or without any specific regulations.
Below is a list of African countries where FGM remains prevalent:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda.
FGM poses serious health risks, including severe bleeding, urinary problems, cyst formation, infections, childbirth complications, and a higher likelihood of infant mortality.
Moreover, FGM offers no medical benefits to girls and women.”