The tradition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains deeply entrenched in Egyptian society especially in rural areas and Upper Egypt. Addressing the issue, the National Committee for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), jointly chaired by the National Council for Women (NCW) and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), held its 11th meeting under the co-chairmanship of NCW President Counsellor Amal Ammar and NCCM President Sahar Al-Sonbati.
During the meeting Ammar emphasised that the government places “great importance” on the issue of eliminating FGM, considering it one of the fundamental pillars of the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Women 2030, particularly under the pillar of protection and combating all forms of violence and harmful practices against women and girls.
She noted that, since its establishment, the committee has achieved tangible progress at the legislative, awareness-raising, and community levels, due to the close cooperation among various state institutions and partners, which has contributed to increasing public awareness about the risks of FGM, correcting misconceptions, and promoting a culture of child protection.
Ammar reviewed the key achievements of the “Protect Her from FGM” campaign which was launched in 2019, explaining that the campaign’s media and digital efforts reached more than 154.7 million people through social media platforms. The campaign engaged over 96 million women and more than 58 million men. Meanwhile, the NCW and the NCCM launched 5,372 field activities, resulting in more than 30.5 million direct awareness interactions, in addition to hundreds of activities carried out by state institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Ammar further emphasised that the results of a national FGM survey reflected the growing positive impact of national efforts and awareness campaigns. She noted that social change is no longer merely an objective pursued by the state, but has become a tangible reality, demonstrated by increasing public awareness and rejection of FGM. “It is essential to continue joint efforts and expand partnerships with all relevant stakeholders to achieve a society free from FGM and to ensure the protection of girls’ rights and their physical and psychological well-being,” she added.
During the meeting, Wafaa Maged, advisor to the president of the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) and executive director of the national FGM survey presented its key findings. “The survey was conducted to measure levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to FGM in society. It also aimed to assess awareness of the associated health risks and relevant laws, as well as to identify social norms and decision-making mechanisms related to the practice,” Maged said.
The results showed increasing awareness of the dangers of FGM, with 68 per cent of caregivers in the 35-39 age group considering FGM a harmful practice. The percentage was higher among individuals with higher levels of education and better economic status.
The survey also revealed variations in awareness of the health risks associated with FGM. Awareness levels were highest in the urban areas of Lower Egypt and among higher-income groups according to the wealth index, while they were significantly lower in rural Upper Egypt and among those with little or no education and lower economic status.
The findings further highlighted awareness of the legal penalties associated with the practice, as only 37 per cent of caregivers reported being aware of them, with clear differences according to economic status. The survey also demonstrated growing community support for abandoning FGM, with 60 per cent of caregivers expressing willingness to support families that choose not to subject their daughters to the practice. This, the survey showed, reflected positive indicators of continued social change and strengthened protection for girls.
The figures revealed the success of human rights, national and awareness-raising efforts in bringing about real change. The prevalence of FGM among unmarried girls aged 15-29 fell to 40 per cent in 2021, compared with 66 per cent in 2015. The decline reflects growing awareness among younger generations of the dangers of the practice.
According to the survey, the prevalence of FGM decreased to 39 per cent among women with secondary education or higher, compared with 66 per cent among those who never attended school. It also dropped sharply to 19 per cent among higher income groups, compared with 62 per cent among lower income groups.
Fatma Al-Zanati, a professor of economics and political science who participated in the survey, noted that the committee was facing complex and interconnected challenges in eliminating FGM. Despite strong political commitments and stricter legal penalties, cultural and social traditions remain the greatest obstacle to achieving the goal.
According to Al-Zanati, some families, particularly in villages and rural areas, continue to associate FGM with concepts such as chastity, purity and preserving family honour. Fear of social stigma and its perceived impact on marriage prospects remains a major factor driving the continuation of the practice. “Others still believe that FGM is a religious obligation or recommended practice, despite clear religious rulings issued by institutions such as Al-Azhar and Christian churches declaring the practice prohibited. Also, FGM is mostly carried out secretly within the family sphere, making it difficult for authorities to detect cases and intervene early enough to prevent the procedure from taking place,” Al-Zanati said.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 June, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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