Men oppose FGM more strongly than women, says UNICEF

Men, even more than women, oppose circumcision, the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has said.

The organisation said research has shown that more boys think that female genital mutilation has no benefit.

“Data show that in some countries men oppose FGM more strongly than women,” UNICEF said in a statement.

“In Guinea – the country with the second highest prevalence in the world – 38 per cent of men and boys are against the continuation of FGM, compared to 21 per cent of women and girls.

“The same pattern is seen in Sierra Leone, where 40 per cent of boys and men want the practice to end, compared to 23 per cent of girls and women.”

According to UNICEF, Guinea has the most striking difference in terms of men and women’s perception of FGM, with 46 per cent of men and boys saying female circumcision has no benefit, compared with just 10 per cent of women and girls who say there are no benefits.

UNICEF  says in countries like Nigeria, there is evidence of efforts and commitment to end female circumcision.

“In 2015, both Gambia and Nigeria adopted national legislation criminalising FGM.  More than 1,900 communities, covering an estimated population of 5 million people, in the 16 countries where data exist, made public declarations to abandon FGM,” the organisation said.

“The sustainable development goals adopted by the UN General assembly in September 2015 include a target calling for the elimination of all harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage by 2030.”

“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.”

The organisation said there is a link between a mother’s education and her child’s circumcision.