Facilitators of Cross-border Female Genital Mutilation in East Africa

Executive Summary

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 2022 report, it is estimated that about 50 million girls and women affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are from East African border areas. Key contributing factors include, social pressure, border porosity, marginalization, legislative and regulatory gaps which continue to hinder practical interventions against the practice. Similarly, shared harmful traditions and persistent socio-economic challenges
amongst cross-border communities have continued to fuel the growth of cross-border FGM. The vice has led to long-term health challenges including HIV/AIDS, fistulas and menstrual problems. In efforts to eliminate the menace, this paper calls for urgent measures to address existing flaws promoting the growth of the harmful act across regional border communities. Suggested recommendations include, increased psychosocial support initiatives, enhanced border security mechanisms, increased socioeconomic inclusion of affected communities’ and harmonization of regional anti-FGM laws.