DESCRIPTION

Material

A3 map on recycled paper, showing the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in the world, on a brown background. A key shows the percentage of sexually mutilated women all over the world (sources: DHS, MICS and WHO). Key colours are linked to the colours on the map.

Reference

Stratégies Concertées de Lutte contre les MGF, Prévalence des mutilations génitales féminines dans le monde, GAMS Belgique, Bruxelles, 2013. 

Concept

Before that, GAMS Belgium used to publish a map of prevalence of FGM in Africa and the Middle East. The Concerted Strategies for fighting against FGM were asked for a world map of prevalence of FGM in order to show that countries in the North as well as in the South are affected by the issue, that it is not an African custom only. Some communities in Indonesia, in India, in Iran, in Iraq, in Columbia, etc. are also affected by female mutilations. 

OBJECTIVES

This document geographically deals with the countries, showing the percentage of women who have undergone FGM all over the world. The aim is to raise awareness about the consequences FGM can have on the health of women and girls.

Note that this map was based on 2012-2013 statistics, as it was published in 2013. The rate of prevalence in Guinea has now a rate of 97.1 instead of 95.6. 

This map aims at reminding that those customs are reprehensible thanks to International Human Rights Conventions.

This world map also highlights the fact that those habits produce irreversible consequences on women’s and girls’ health.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

In Belgium, the most affected professionals (doctors, workers in the domain of health and of social issues) rely on this map when it comes to tackle the issue of FGM with their audience.

For example: “Mrs/Mr, I see that in your country of origin, FGM happens. Did you ever hear about it? Does your family or entourage do it? Etc.”

For more information about it:

• “Guide d’entretien pour aborder la question de l’excision lors des entretiens avec les filles et/ou avec leur famille’’ (Guide for interviews about female circumcision with girls and/or their families) here (in French)
• Interview with Ingrid Godeau, doctor working in services for the promotion of health at school (PSE), who talks about the way she uses the map here 

GOOD TO KNOW

The map exists in French and Dutch

It was created in the context of the Concerted Strategies for fighting against MGF, in partnership with the Institute for the equality of Women and Men, GAMS Belgium, Intact, and the Collectif Liégeois contre les Mutilations Génitales Féminines.

Responsible editor: GAMS Belgique.

WHERE TO FIND THE DOCUMENT?

You can download it here

• in French
• in Dutch
  Contact Marie de Brouwere, coordinator of the SC-MGF: scmgf.be@gmail.com