INTRODUCTION

This paper gives an overview of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevalence rates [1], following impressive research by Koski and Heyman [2]. Rawat [3], Shell-Duncan and Hernlund [4] and Simister [5] claimed estimates of FGM prevalence “are tentative, since nationally representative data do not exist for many countries”. UNICEF [6] wrote “Together, DHS and MICS allow a comprehensive picture to be constructed of the current global prevalence rates among women and daughters. They provide valid data on the occurrence of FGM/C practice”. Yoder and Wang [7] wrote “National level prevalence data on FGC from population-based surveys are now available for 27 countries in Africa as well as Yemen and Iraq”. Koski and Heyman [2] analyzed DHS data from 22 countries; this paper adds Guyana and Sudan, using all DHS FGM data available in October 2018 (DHS restrict data access in some surveys: Eritrea, Ghana, Mauritania and Yemen).

FGM is associated with African cultures; there are many versions, practiced in different countries [4]. Each ethnic group which practices FGM does so in their own way: some groups impose FGM on babies or very young children, whereas other ethnic groups implement FGM when the girl/woman is a teenager or adult – usually before marriage [5]. FGM is typically carried out by women rather than men.

FGM is a “manifestation of structural inequality and violates universally recognized human-rights principles of equality and non-discrimination” [6]. “Used as a way to control women’s sexuality, FGM/C is a main manifestation of gender inequality and discrimination” [6]. FGM might be intended to limit women’s freedom (perhaps a woman is less likely to be unfaithful to her husband, if she finds sex less enjoyable due to clitoridectomy).

RESULTS

Table 1 reports FGM prevalence and number of women who answered FGM questions, for all DHS surveys with FGM data available to the public.

1.       Costello S (2015) Female genital mutilation/cutting: Risk management and strategies for social workers and health care professionals. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 8: 225-233.

2.       Koski A, Heyman J (2017) Thirty-year trends in the prevalence and severity of female genital mutilation: A comparison of 22 countries. BMJ Glob Health 2: 1-8.

3.       Rawat R (2017) The association between economic development, education and FGM in six selected African countries. Afr J Midwifery Womens Health 11: 137-146.

4.       Shell-Duncan B, Hernlund Y (2000) Female circumcision in Africa: Culture, controversy and change. USA: Lynne Rienner.

5.       Simister J (2018) Impact of age on harm risks of female genital mutilation: Analysis of demographic and health surveys. MOJ Womens Health 7: 31-40.

6.       UNICEF (2005) Female genital mutilation/cutting: A statistical exploration. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/publications/files/FGM-C_final_10_October.pdf