Last update: Jul 2008
UNICEF Documents and Publications
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This technical note describes a human rights-based approach to FGM/C programming and aims to provide guidance to programmers to bring about a large-scale abandonment of FGM/C in sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt and Sudan. This strategy analyses the practice of FGM/C from the perspective of a particular type of social convention described by T. Schelling and introduces an innovative approach to FGM/C programming that is intended to bring about lasting social change.
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The objective of this study is to present estimates of prevalence levels of FGM/C across and within countries, as well as the circumstances surrounding the practice. The study presents a global assessment of FGM/C levels and examines differentials in prevalence according to socio-economic, demographic and other proximate variables, including type of FGM/C, practitioners and attitudes. It further highlights patterns that exist within the data, illustrates how much can be learned by disaggregating variables, and suggests how these data can be used to strategically inform programmatic efforts.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
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This Innocenti Digest examines the prevalence of FGM/C and its social dynamics. It provides an explanation as to why the practice persists and of the elements necessary for its abandonment. It also takes stock of progress to date, identifies what works and what does not, and provides direction regarding the most successful strategies to promote the abandonment of FGM/C. Combining concrete field experience with tested academic theory, the Digest provides a practical tool to bring about positive change for girls and women.
[English] [French]
This power point presentation, prepared for the Inter-Parliamentary Union's conference held in Dakar in December 2005, displays, in a concise and effective way, the main facts on FGM/C presented in the publication "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: a Statistical Exploration".