Peer-reviewed article
UNICEF’s Involvement in Reducing Cases of Female Genital Mutilation in Indonesia, 2014–2021
epartement of International Relations, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Maulida Ayu Trisna Tasya, Dian Azmawati ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines UNICEF's work to reduce female genital mutilation (FGM) in Indonesia from 2014 to 2021, where the practice affects girls aged 0-14 years. UNICEF implemented several strategies including government partnerships, community information campaigns, and legal advocacy. The research found that while UNICEF's programs were active, changing government policies created obstacles that slowed progress toward eliminating FGM.
Key points
- Indonesia is the fourth country globally with FGM practices affecting girls aged 0-14 years
- UNICEF implemented programs including agreements with the Indonesian government, community dissemination, and legal advocacy
- Government policy dynamics and inconsistencies created obstacles to progress
- UNICEF has opposed FGM since 2008 and provided assistance to affected countries
Limitations
This is a qualitative analysis of UNICEF's roles and strategies rather than an evaluation of FGM prevalence changes or intervention outcomes. The document does not provide data on whether FGM cases actually decreased or on the effectiveness of specific programs.
Abstract
FGM is the practice of injuring the female external genitalia, which is carried out on girls aged 0–14 years, and this practice has been declared a violation of human rights. As an international organization whose goal is to realize children's rights, since 2008 UNICEF has strongly opposed this practice and promised to provide assistance to countries experiencing FGM, including Indonesia. Indonesia has been declared the fourth country in the world to carry out FGM practices and this must receive serious attention. Through qualitative research using international organization theory, the authors will analyze the extent of UNICEF's roles and strategies in helping reduce the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Indonesia. The findings from this study indicate that UNICEF has carried out several programs such as agreements with the Indonesian government, disseminating information to Indonesian communities, activists and society, and providing legal assistance or advocacy to stop FGM cases. However, there had been policy dynamics from the Indonesian government towards this practice, causing obstacles that made the realization of eliminating the practice of FGM slow.