East Africa Region Policy Brief on Ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2023

There are a number of harmful practices in Africa negatively affecting the fundamental rights of women and girls. These include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child and forced marriage, virginity testing and related practices, extreme dietary among others. This Policy brief focuses on FGM. 

FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.  FGM is practiced in 31 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It is most prevalent in Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea, Somalia and Mali.

Various international, regional and national policy frameworks adopted with the aim of eradicating this practice exist. Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child spells out the obligation of governments in protecting children against all forms of violence including FGM. Similarly, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children stipulates obligations relevant to protecting children against FGM. 

Working in collaboration with partners, World Vision is influencing the adoption and implementation of policies relating to FGM in Kenya, Sudan, Somalia and Sudan. World Vision Tanzania is a member of the National Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Coalition. They participated and influenced processes that led to the development of the Anti FGM strategy for 2021/22- 2024/25 and its implementation plan. World Vision Somalia is working with Faith leaders to identify and support most vulnerable communities to end FGM using World Vision’s Channels of Hope Model.  These and many other interventions presented in this policy brief are influencing communities to shun this harmful practice. 

Our experience of working with communities to address FGM has taught us that addressing FGM requires holistic and integrated approaches focused on addressing the underlying barriers to FGM. Eradicating this complex and long standing practice calls for collective efforts from all stakeholders. The policy brief highlights strategic policy recommendations targeting national governments, regional institutions donors faith and community leaders. 

Together we can change this narrative and create zero tolerance FGM communities

Download the publication to learn about our impact and strategic calls to action on FGM.