Program guidelines for integrating activities to eradicate female genital mutilation in USAID programs

The rationale behind the practice varies across communities, and includes control of women"s sexuality, initiation into adulthood and community membership, and health and hygienic beliefs. Globally, an estimated 130 million girls and women have been affected by FGM. The practice has been identified in 28 African countries, with prevalence ranging from 5% to 96%. It has also been identified among some minorities in Asia and among African immigrant communities in Europe, North America, and Australia. In addition to its serious health consequences, FGM clearly violates women"s rights, which are protected under several major human rights treaties, and has been condemned repeatedly in regional and international fora. This report documents the history of USAID"s activities on FGM, highlights lessons learned, and makes recommendations for future approaches that fit within existing Agency structures. The report is limited to African countries, given the overwhelming prevalence of FGM in that region. Section 2 summarizes past USAID activities to address FGM, while Section 3 addresses the development of a USAID policy on FGM. Sections 4 and 5, respectively, describe recommended activities and examine how FGM can be integrated into existing USAID projects. Section 6 presents a brief conclusion. Appendices include: a chronology of events worldwide related to FGM; a detailed review of USAID activities addressing FGM; the views and activities on FGM of the USAID Missions and local African NGOs; and a summary of international donor support for FGM eradication activities. (Author abstract, modified)