Despite stronger measures to improve accountability in achieving zero female genital mutilation (FGM) in the region, the last decade saw an increasing trend towards maintaining the practice, for example through medicalization and cross-border FGM. Cross-border FGM has emerged as a new trend that threatens the gains made towards ending FGM. It is estimated that one quarter of the 200 million girls and women affected are from the East African border areas in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.
In East Africa, the trend in cross-border FGM puts at risk the progress achieved in eliminating the practice. The only way we can reach zero FGM by 2030 is by concerted and immediate action to address all aspects of FGM.
This policy brief highlights the cross-border dimension of FGM (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda) in the East Africa region. The brief describes the factors that perpetuate cross-border FGM and the work that is being done to reduce the rates.
