Background and Causes
Regional Differences in Practice and Motivation
The practice of female genital mutilation/circumcision (FGM/C) is not equally widespread everywhere—it occurs primarily in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are at least 230 million girls and women in over 30 countries where FGM/C is widespread, typically in western, eastern, and northeastern regions of Africa, as well as in some countries in the Middle East and Asia. In these areas, FGM/C is often performed during childhood, usually before the age of 15.
In some countries, the prevalence rate is extremely high, often ranging from 80% to nearly 100%—for example, in parts of Somalia, Guinea, or Sudan—which reflects how deeply rooted the practice is in these communities.
The reasons for performing FGM/C vary from region to region and are strongly influenced by social and cultural factors. In particular, social norms, the desire for social acceptance and family prestige, as well as notions of preparation for adulthood and marriage play a role. In many communities, FGM/C is considered a necessary step for integration into society or for ensuring marriage prospects. Furthermore, the practice is often linked to beliefs about female sexuality. In some communities, FGM/C is intended to reduce the sexual desire of women and girls, control their sexual activity, and prevent premarital or extramarital sex. The practice is thus also viewed as a means of controlling the female body and female sexuality.
These sociocultural motivations include:
Social conventions and social pressure: In communities where FGM/C is common, social pressure plays a central role—families fear rejection or stigmatization if they do not continue this practice.
Role in rites of passage: FGM/C is often viewed as part of the transition to adulthood or as preparation for marriage.
Control of sexuality: In some regions, the practice is used to (supposedly) ensure sexual purity and fidelity.
Traditional notions of femininity: FGM/C is often linked to local ideals of purity, beauty, or female identity.
Misconceptions about religion: Although no major world religion prescribes FGM/C, some people believe it is religiously justified.
These differences show that FGM/C is not a single, uniform phenomenon, but is strongly shaped by locally rooted norms, traditions, and social mechanisms.
FGM/C is therefore a form of gender-based violence and a serious human rights violation. It primarily affects underage girls and is often closely linked to other practices such as early and forced marriage (EFM – Early and Forced Marriage).
How Are FGM/C and EFM Related? – A Brief Explanation
FGM/C and EFM occur together in many regions and reinforce one another. Both practices are manifestations of patriarchal power structures and serve to control female sexuality.
1. Same Target Group
Both practices primarily affect underage girls (ages 0–15).
2. Common Cause: Control Over Girls and Women
Both FGM/C and EFM are intended to ensure that girls:
remain “chaste,”
are marriageable,
and conform to family and social norms.
3. FGM/C as a “Prerequisite” for Marriage
In many communities, FGM/C is considered a necessary step to make a girl “marriageable.”
FGM/C is therefore often performed before a planned marriage—if it has not already been done in early childhood—or is closely linked to the marriage ritual.
4. Social and Economic Factors
Families hope to gain:
höhere Heiratschancen,
better chances of marriage,
social recognition,
and, in some cases, economic benefits such as a higher bride price.
FGM/C and EFM thus reinforce the same social norms.
5. The consequences reinforce one another
Both practices lead to:
severe physical and psychological harm,
dropout from school,
lifelong dependence and violence.
In short:
FGM/C and EFM are two closely intertwined forms of gender-based violence.
They stem from the same patriarchal structures, follow the same logic of control, and often affect the same girls—frequently in quick succession.
