FGM in Egypt 92.3% prevalence among (ever-married) women aged 15-49 (DHS 2014) 87.2% prevalence among (all) women aged 15-49 (EHIS 2015) Egypt is classified as a ‘very high prevalence’ country by UNICEF (DHS 2014. p186; EHIS 2015, p.184; UNICEF (2013), pp.26-27)

Where? Highest FGM prevalence: Lowest FGM prevalence: Upper Egypt = 92.1% Lowest FGM prevalence: Urban Governorates = 74.5% © 28 Too Many (EHIS 2015, p.104)

Where? FGM Prevalence in Rural Areas: FGM Prevalence in Urban Areas: 92.6% of women aged 15 to 49 years 15.9 % of girls aged 1 to 14 years FGM Prevalence in Urban Areas: 77.4% of women aged 15 to 49 years 10.4% of girls aged 1 to 14 years https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldbank/18453466739 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Egyptian_Countryside_R04.jpg (EHIS 2015, pp.104 & 106)

Why? Tradition – family and community ties are strong in Egypt, and greatly influence decision-making, including whether or not to continue practising FGM. Religion – 50.1% of men and 46.2% of women believe that FGM is required by their religion. Fidelity/Virginity and Marriage prospects – 48.7% of men and 43.1% of women believe FGM prevents adultery. (EHIS 2015, pp.110-114)

Age & Type of FGM FGM is usually performed in Egypt between birth and 17 years of age Most girls are cut at or before puberty Girls are cut at a younger age in Upper Egypt Unconfirmed reports that age of cutting is lowering FGM Types I and II are most common FGM is usually performed in May and June https://flic.kr/p/Gwj72 (EHIS 2015, p.107)

Is FGM Declining in Egypt? Secondary analysis of DHS data on Egyptian girls aged 0 – 17: % of girls who had already undergone FGM + % of girls likely to undergo FGM before reaching 18 years of age 69% in 2005 55% in 2014 (Dr Fatma El-Zanaty, UNICEF (2015), pp.2-3)

Law 2008 – FGM outlawed in Egypt 2014 – New Constitution requires that the state protects women from all forms of violence Between 2007 and 2013, several girls died undergoing FGM, including Soheir al-Batea 2016 – amendment to Penal Code, making FGM a felony and increasing penalties Coalition Against FGM/C Facebook page

Understanding & Attitudes Overall, 53.9% of women and 58.5% of men (aged 15-49) believe that FGM should be continued in Egypt. Young women are more likely to say that FGM is necessary than young men. Less-wealthy and less-educated young people are more likely to support the practice than those who are wealthier and better educated. There is a high level of misunderstanding throughout Egypt about sex and FGM, including a lack of knowledge in the health sector. An absence of good-quality sex education in schools, in the home and through religious leaders contributes to the continuation of FGM. Most at risk: girls living in rural areas, particularly Upper Egypt, who are from poorer, less-educated families. (EHIS 2015, pp.110-111)

Medicalisation of FGM Since at least 2008, move away from traditional practitioners towards health professionals: 78.4% of incidences of FGM are performed by a health professional Most common in urban areas Doctors are ‘trusted’ and seen as less likely to be punished for performing FGM Economic incentive to perform FGM, particularly in rural areas Currently no law stating that FGM is medical malpractice (draft law under consideration) (EHIS 2015, p.107)

Anti-FGM Campaigns Government level – National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and National Council of Women UN Joint Programme International NGOs National NGOs Faith-based organisations Coalitions and working groups New ‘NGO Law’ – a concern for future partnerships and funding 'Combatting FGM in Egypt' (Feb 2015) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2RO0Q9FSTs 

Challenges Moving Forward Tackling ongoing community pressures, traditions and beliefs about religion and FGM Clarifying misunderstandings around sex and FGM through accurate sex education Ongoing problem of medicalisation of FGM throughout Egypt, despite laws forbidding it Lack of knowledge and misunderstandings among medical staff about FGM Accessibility to healthcare, especially for women in rural areas and those without funds to pay Implementation and enforcement of anti-FGM laws, including educating and supporting justice agents such as police and judges Educating and maintaining influential leaders and role models, especially religious leaders

Challenges Moving Forward Strengthening the holistic approach to build trust and include all members of the family and the wider community Potential decline in press freedom making dissemination of information more difficult Obtaining comprehensive and reliable data Changing political climates and the ongoing threat of re-emerging support for FGM Potential difficulties forging future partnerships and obtaining funding (especially international), which is under threat from the new Egyptian ‘NGO law’ Efficient coordination between the Government and civil society is essential with mutual agreement on the most effective ways to end FGM Strengthening of existing NGO coalitions and working groups, and ensuring the security and physical safety of all those working in country to end FGM