Study finds ‘significant decline’ in genital mutilation rates in girls

– ‘Challenge social norms’ –

Jamillah Mwanjisi, head of advocacy, campaigns and media for Save the Children Somalia/Somaliland, without commenting on the study, said FGM remained a major problem.

“We don’t have a clear-cut law that says FGM is a criminal offence against children,” she told AFP, without commenting on the study’s findings.

“In Somalia there’s a lack of really strong political will to challenge the social and cultural norms.”

Mwanjisi did say, however, that she had witnessed a small fall in the number of 15-17 year-olds who had been cut — from 98 percent two years ago to 90 percent currently.

This suggests there may be a data lag when it comes to FGM, and that as rates among under 14s drop, we may see a corresponding fall in the overall proportion of women subjected to the procedure.

“The data provided in this study may not answer the question why rates of FGM have fallen,” said Kandala.

“Probably mothers’ attitude is the main factor, but to answer this question more accurately further studies and data collection is needed.”