Target Population: Women and girls across Somaliland, including nomadic communities.

Location: Somaliland.

Duration: 2020.

Donor / Partner: UNFPA.

Primary Goal: Generate evidence on the prevalence, forms, drivers, and attitudes related to FGM/C to guide future protection and abandonment interventions.

Rationale & Context

With support from UNFPA, ACRIF conducted a comprehensive study on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Somaliland. The study assessed prevalence, drivers, forms, and attitudes toward the practice to provide evidence for future programming. Findings showed that FGM/C remained nearly universal, while severe Type III (Pharaonic) cutting was less common among younger women than among older women.

Key Project Components

1. Prevalence and Forms Assessment

• Assess the prevalence of FGM/C across Somaliland and across different communities.
• Document the forms of FGM/C practiced, including severe Type III (Pharaonic) cutting and other forms commonly described as “Sunni.”

2. Drivers and Attitudes Analysis

• Examine social support for continuation or abandonment of FGM/C.
• Assess differences in prevalence and attitudes across population groups, including nomadic women.

3. Evidence for Programming

• Generate a comprehensive dataset to inform evidence-based interventions for women and girls.
• Use findings to support the design of future FGM/C protection and abandonment programs.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved evidence on FGM/C prevalence, forms, drivers, and community attitudes in Somaliland.
• Better understanding of generational changes in severe forms of FGM/C.
• Research findings available to inform protection and FGM/C abandonment programming.