Peer-reviewed article
The Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
E. I. Amadi ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This systematic review examined the prevalence and determinants of female genital mutilation (FGM) across Africa using peer-reviewed studies and demographic data from 2012 to 2025. The study found that FGM prevalence exceeds 50% in several African regions, though it varies significantly by country and community. Key factors sustaining the practice include low education, poverty, rural residence, cultural and religious beliefs, and social pressure. While younger generations show gradual decline in prevalence, progress is uneven and insufficient to meet global eradication goals.
Key points
- FGM prevalence in Africa remains alarmingly high, with pooled estimates exceeding 50% in several regions
- Prevalence varies significantly across countries and communities, reflecting diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts
- Key determinants include low education, poverty, rural residence, cultural and religious beliefs, and intergenerational transmission
- Gradual decline observed among younger generations but progress remains uneven and insufficient for global eradication targets
- Population growth contributes to increasing absolute numbers of affected individuals despite relative percentage declines
Limitations
This is a descriptive epidemiological study that identifies prevalence and determinants but does not evaluate specific interventions to prevent or eliminate FGM. The document provides no evidence on the effectiveness of different prevention strategies or approaches.
Abstract
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a critical public health issue and a violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls, particularly in Africa, where its prevalence is highest. This study examines the prevalence, distribution, and determinants of FGM across the African continent to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors sustaining the practice. A systematic review approach was adopted, utilizing secondary data from peer-reviewed journal articles, demographic surveys, and institutional reports published between 2012 and 2025. Relevant studies were sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal that FGM prevalence in Africa remains alarmingly high, with pooled estimates exceeding 50% in several regions. However, the practice varies significantly across countries and communities, reflecting diverse cultural, social, and economic contexts. Key determinants identified include low levels of education, poverty, rural residence, and deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs. Social pressure and intergenerational transmission also play a major role in perpetuating the practice. Although there is evidence of a gradual decline in prevalence among younger generations, progress remains uneven and insufficient to meet global eradication targets. Population growth further contributes to the increasing number of affected individuals despite relative percentage declines. The study concludes that FGM is sustained by complex sociocultural and structural factors that require holistic, context-specific interventions. Efforts to eliminate the practice must go beyond legislation to include education, community engagement, and women’s empowerment initiatives.