Why the Asia Network matters

Available data on the prevalence of FGM/C globally shows that over 200 million women and girls are affected by FGM/C worldwide. Each year, at least 4.1 million girls are cut globally. This will rise to 4.6 million girls by 2030 due to population growth, and over one million of these girls will be in Asia.

Only two countries in Asia currently report national data on FGM/C prevalence. This includes Indonesia, where 15 million girls will undergo the practice by 2030. The true scale of  women and girls affected by FGM/C in the remaining 11 countries across the region where the practice takes place remains unknown.

Global commitments under SDG 5.3.2 to end all forms of FGM/C by 2030 will not be reached unless the practice is also ended in Asia. This requires considerable resource mobilisation, political will and enabling greater partnerships across the region.

The Asia Network to End FGM/C is dedicated to lifting the silence around the practice in the region. We will work collaboratively across civil society to raise awareness and develop effective strategies for ending FGM/C in Asia.

• Only 2 out of 13+ countries in Asia currently report national data on the prevalence of FGM/C
• Every year, 4.1 million girls are cut. One million girls are in Asia.

• 51% of women and girls in Indonesia have experienced FGM/C. 77% of girls were cut in the first five months of life.
• 62% of women and girls in urban areas in Indonesia have experienced FGM/C performed by a medical professional.

• 13% of women and girls in the Maldives have experienced FGM/C.
• 90% of girls who have experienced the practice were cut in the first year of life.