UN survey shows sharp decline of FGM among minor females in Egypt

CAIRO – 17 February 2022: The Ministry of Social Solidarity showcased in a press statement Wednesday the results of a survey conducted by the United Nations among the beneficiaries of Egypt's monetary subsidies fund "Takaful."  

The study – carried out in 2021- shows that 52 percent of females aged between 13 and 17 – in the sample - are victims of FGM compared to 90 percent among their mothers.

The ministry said that such decline is attributed to awareness campaigns executed by the ministry, and toughening the penalties faced by culprits.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi ratified in April the new amendments to Egypt’s Penal Code on toughening penalties against medics who female genital mutilation (FGM).

That is after the House of Representatives passed the amendments, per which committing the crime incurs five years of prison, and not less than seven years, if permanent damage occurs. If the victim dies as a consequence, the culprit shall be sentenced to at least 10 years of prison.

The establishment where the crime is committed shall be shut down for the same number of years of the penalty handed to the doctor or nurse implicated. That is if the owner knows that the place was used for that purpose.

The convict shall pay for publishing the news in two daily newspapers and news websites with a wide reach. Those would be designated by the judge.

In Egypt, the percentage of FGM among ever married women in age group 15-49 decreased from 92.3% in 2004 to 87.2% in 2015; while the percentage of FGM among girls in age group 15-17 has decreased from 74.4% in 2008 to 61.1% in 2014.