Female genital mutilation, also known as FGM, is a deeply rooted practice that affects millions of girls
and women worldwide. Eastern and Southern Africa is one of the regions where it is most prevalent. This publication, prepared by UNICEF’s Data & Analytics Section, together with the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of female genital mutilation in this region, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Female genital mutilation is a violation of girls’ and women’s rights, with severe physical and psychological
consequences. Despite recognition in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and Africa’s Agenda for Children 2040, the practice remains widespread in many communities. This report presents the latest data on the prevalence of female genital mutilation, the circumstances under which it is carried out, and attitudes towards the practice. It also examines the variations in prevalence within countries, according to factors such as ethnicity, education and wealth.
Around 42 million girls and women alive today in Eastern and Southern Africa have undergone female genital mutilation, representing nearly one fifth of the global total
Number of girls and women who have undergone female genital mutilation
Communities in Eastern and Southern Africa are moving towards the abandonment of female genital mutilation, although progress can take decades
Percentage of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years who have undergone female genital mutilation
In 2030, female genital mutilation will still be widespread in some countries if current trends continue
Percentage of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years who have undergone female genital mutilation, observed and projected
