Open AccessEgypt: NGOs need to join forces to end FGC
Author(s) -
AUTHOR_ID
Publication year - 2000
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.31899/rh2000.1027
Subject(s) - christian ministry , female circumcision , population , political science , economic growth , public relations , public administration , socioeconomics , medicine , sociology , law , environmental health , gynecology , economics
Until recently, the practice of female genital cutting (FGC) has been nearly universal in Egypt. However, a 1998 national survey found the first signs of a decline in the practice among adolescents since 1994. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in community development, health, and women’s rights have played a leading role in advocating eradication of FGC in Egypt. To document and assess the impact of anti-FGC programs, the Population Council conducted an assessment from August 1999 to February 2000. Researchers telephoned numerous Egyptian NGOs to identify those most actively involved in anti-FGC programs. Then they conducted in-depth interviews with officials of 15 NGOs, as well as staff of the Ministry of Health and Population, UNICEF, and the United Nations Population Fund. As concluded in this brief, 15 Egyptian nongovernmental organizations are actively involved in programs to eradicate the practice of female genital cutting. To make these programs more effective, NGOs should form coalitions, engage in advocacy, train activists in communication skills, and evaluate the impact of their programs.