FRONTIERS Projects | Is Female Genital Cutting (FGC) Declining in Burkina Faso? An Assessment of the Evidence

FRONTIERS PROJECT
Is Female Genital Cutting (FGC) Declining in Burkina Faso? An Assessment of the Evidence

This study assessed trends in the practice of FGC over the past ten years and identified political, programmatic, and sociocultural factors for the decline of FGC. Review of various demographic surveys showed a decline in prevalence between 2003 and 2006 (from 77% to 59%) among women aged 15–49, although prevalence remains high among certain ethnic groups.

Qualitative research showed a decrease in support for the practice and in songs and dances celebrating excision. Numerous factors, including political will by the government of Burkina Faso, multiple interventions through many venues to encourage abandonment of the practice, and outreach by a variety of programs, including the media and mobile police and army teams, contributed to the decline in the practice. However, clandestine excisions continue, and support for FGM/C remains high among older people.

The sustainability of the social and behavioral changes related to the practice will require continuing commitment from governments and communities to ensure enforcement of anti-FGM/C laws and collaboration among groups that seek the abandonment of the practice.

Location

Burkina Faso

Duration

January 2005–July 2006

Population Council researcher

Nafissatou Diop

Non-Council collaborator

Comité national de lutte contre la pratique de l'excision (CNLPE)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2008
"Burkina Faso: Political will, law enforcement, and educational campaigns appear to be reducing FGM/C," FRONTIERS OR Summary no. 72. Washington, DC: Population Council. (full text)

Diop, Nafissatou, Zakari Congo, Aïna Ouédraogo, Alphonsine Sawadogo, Lydia Saloucou, and Ida Tamini. “Analysis of the evolution of the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting in Burkina Faso,” FRONTIERS Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF, 1 MB) (executive summary in English; report in French)