Djibouti City, Djibouti – September 29, 2024: A high-level delegation from the Steering Committee of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will visit Djibouti from 29 September to 3 October 2024. The delegation aims to assess progress and strategize with key stakeholders on accelerating efforts to eliminate FGM in the country, where 70% of girls and women (0 - 60 years) have undergone this practice. 

Djibouti, one of 17 countries supported by the Joint Programme, has demonstrated a strong commitment to eliminating FGM through intensified efforts and a comprehensive national strategy implemented by a wide range of stakeholders and sectors. For instance, The Ministry of Women and Family, in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Endowment, is spearheading community conversations and awareness campaigns to challenge the practice. The Ministry of Women and Family, with support from the Joint Programme and other partners, implementing a comprehensive national strategy to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. 

While the FGM prevalence in Djibouti remains a challenge, the country has made significant strides. Notably, the prevalence for 0-14 years decreased from 43 % in 2012 to 31% in 2019, demonstrating progress towards elimination.

In 2023, the Desert Caravans and Savoirs Association established coalitions of men and boys committed to ending FGM, reaching over 1,000 people in Djibouti City. Additionally, mass media messaging on FGM, women’s and girls’ rights, and gender equality has reached over 370,000 individuals. Djibouti has also established a data collection platform for FGM, which is used by all service providers responsible for the care and support of survivors.

During the visit, the steering committee delegation will meet with key government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders to share strategies and discuss ways to accelerate progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which calls for the elimination of FGM among other harmful practices by 2030.

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM is the largest global program to accelerate the abandonment of FGM with a programmatic focus on 17 countries as well as global influential roles and interventions to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 503 to end FGM.