Recent findings from Egypt’s Health Family Survey for 2025 have highlighted a significant decline in the rates of female genital mutilation (FGM) among women and girls in the country. The survey indicates a growing awareness of the health, psychological, and social risks associated with FGM, reflecting ongoing educational efforts aimed at combating this practice.
Reduction in FGM Rates Among Young Girls
According to the survey results, FGM rates among women who have ever been married and fall within the 15 to 49 age bracket have dropped to 79.3% in 2025, down from 85.6% in 2021. This statistic highlights a historical prevalence of FGM among these women but does not imply that the indicated percentage currently undergoes this practice.
Conversely, the decline is particularly notable among younger girls, with FGM incidence among those aged 0 to 19 years reduced to 11.4% in 2025, compared to 14.2% in 2021. The projected rate of FGM for this age group has also decreased to 24.2%, down from 27% in the previous survey.
Regional and Educational Disparities
The survey revealed considerable variation in FGM exposure rates based on geographical and educational factors. In rural Upper Egypt, the prevalence reached 87.1%, while in border governorates, it was significantly lower at 63.1%. Additionally, the data indicated that 75.9% of women with a secondary level education have undergone FGM, in stark contrast to 89.6% of those who have never attended school.
Role of Awareness and Education
In light of these findings, Hanan Mustafa Saleh, the head of the Family and Women’s Central Administration at the Ministry of Social Solidarity, pinpointed an increase in family awareness regarding the risks linked to FGM as a crucial factor for this decline. Saleh explained that social workers are pivotal in these efforts, conducting field visits to engage with families about the psychological and social repercussions of FGM and its potential long-term effects on girls’ lives.
Saleh expressed that the expertise of these social workers, who are familiar with the communities they serve, enables them to build trust and foster open dialogues about FGM risks, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of these awareness initiatives.
Legal Framework and Advocacy Efforts
FGM has been banned in health institutions in Egypt since 1996, with further legal prohibitions implemented in 2008, and penalties strengthened in 2016 and 2021 amendments. Efforts to raise awareness have been supported by initiatives from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, and the National Council for Women, all targeting families to inform them about the dangers and impacts of FGM.
Saleh noted that during outreach efforts, some mothers reconsider their intention to subject their daughters to FGM upon learning about the associated risks, both health-wise and socially.
Impact of Mother’s Education on FGM Awareness
There is a notable correlation between maternal education levels and awareness regarding the dangers of FGM. Saleh highlighted that an increase in education raises women’s social and cultural awareness, making them more conscious of the potential risks their daughters might face. This aligns with the survey data showing that 75.9% of women with secondary education experienced FGM, compared to 89.6% of those who had never attended school.
Moreover, Saleh emphasised that the knowledge gained from educational programs empowers mothers to decide against subjecting their daughters to FGM, stressing that the negative impacts are not only physical but also psychological, potentially affecting familial relationships and causing marital discord or divorce.
Changing Perspectives Through Dialogue
The Egyptian Fatwa House has issued numerous rulings asserting that FGM is neither a religious practice nor required by law, emphasising that the medical and psychological consequences necessitate its prohibition. In a 2022 ruling, it was declared that FGM is both religiously forbidden and legally censured, prohibiting parents and medical professionals from carrying it out unless absolutely necessary for medical reasons as dictated by law.
Saleh concluded by reiterating the importance of reaching families still holding onto traditional beliefs regarding FGM, stating that direct dialogue plays a vital role in altering misconceptions linked to this practice.