The Dynamics of Social Change: Towards the abandonment of female genital mutilation/cutting in five African countries
January 1, 2010
This Innocenti Insight publication examines the social dynamics of the abandonment of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in five countries – Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal and Sudan – and seeks to inform policies and programmes aimed at ending the practice.
The experiences from the five countries documented provide evidence that the abandonment of FGM/C is possible when programmes and policies address the complex social dynamics associated with the practice and challenge established gender relationships and existing assumptions and stereotypes. The publication concludes with reflections on the remaining challenges of FGM/C abandonment and offers recommendations for future research and programme interventions.