Fast Facts On Female Genital Mutilation/cutting

FAST FACTS: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUTTING

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The prevalence rate of female genital mutilation is less than 1% for FGM/C in Uganda. But FGM/C is still a contributing factor to restricting life opportunities of children, and exposing them to the risk of not developing to their full potential as healthy, active, social citizens. FGM/C is not only a human rights violation, but also an under-recognized and under-reported barrier to child survival and development.

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Research for Uganda shows FGM/C, as most other forms violence and abuse against children, is perceived by some communities as appropriate. While the Government, UNICEF and child protection NGOs view FGM/C as a child rights violation and a form of gender-based violence, many girls and families see it as a significant rite of passage – signaling emergence into adulthood, or an important contribution to protection. (This is similar to the views of many girls and families regarding on early marriage.1)

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The Committee on the Rights of the Child, during its review of the second periodic report of the Government of Uganda in 2005, cited FGM/C and early marriage as two harmful traditional practices in Uganda which are detrimental to the survival and development of girls in Uganda.

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Available data also show that in Uganda, as elsewhere in the world, girls who participate in FGM/C and early marriage tend to drop out of school – and girls who are not in school tend to be more liable to get married early – which contributes to the perpetuation of female poverty and unequal power.

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Complications in deliveries are significantly more likely among women with FGM/C. FGM/C is also harmful to babies and leads to an extra one to two perinatal deaths per 100 deliveries.

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The 1995 Constitution enshrines special protection for children in general and for girls in particular. The Children’s Act (2000), more specific to the protection of children, also provides for the protection of children against all forms of violence. A new bill on the prohibition of FGM, if enacted, will further improve the protection of girls against this particular form of violence.

QUICKLINE  The protection of children from violence, exploitation and abuse – including children who are most defenceless – is an integral component of protecting their rights to survival, growth and development.

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Over 32% of girls aged 15-19 are married or cohabiting in informal unions (compared to 6% of boys).

 All children have a right to grow up in an environment that ensures their protection.  Child protection is a universal imperative, the responsibility not only of governments, but of every member of society.

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