Tailoring Steps to End Female Genital Mutilation Based on Age

The age at which girls undergo female genital mutilation is one of the specific characteristics that shape the context for the practice. It is crucial for programmatic interventions given the decision-making structures behind the practice. When girls are going through the practice at a young age, they will not have any role in influencing decisions made at the family and community levels. When female genital mutilation is performed on adolescent girls, they will/can react in a different manner because of their age and interactions with family members, peers, a school community and the community at large.

This brief paper focuses on the analyses of data on the age at which girls undergo female genital mutilation and its programmatic implications.