UNICEF: Majority of men and women oppose Female Genital Mutilation in countries where practice persists

New data released by UNICEF reveal that the majority of men and women in countries where FGM persists, in fact oppose the practice. In countries with available data, 67% of girls and women and 63% of boys and men oppose the continuation of the practice in their communities. In some countries, such as Guinea and Sierra Leone, more men than women oppose FGM.

“Although female genital mutilation is associated with gender discrimination, our findings show that the majority of boys and men are actually against it,” said Francesca Moneti, UNICEF Senior Child Protection Specialist. “Unfortunately, individuals’ desire to end female genital mutilation is often hidden, and many women and men still believe the practice is needed in order for them to be accepted in their communities.”