India
India
- Prevalence of FGM/C: No official data reported. Small studies from Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut have documented that around 75% of women and girls in Bohra communities are affected by FGM/C or khatna. The practice has also been reported amongst other communities in Kerala.
- Types of FGM/C thought to be practised: Amongst Bohra communities, the most widely practised form is Type I which involves the removal of the clitoral hood or the clitoris. There are also reports of Type IV.
- Legal status of FGM/C: No specific national legislation prohibiting FGM/C.
- Relevant policies relating to FGM/C: No specific national policies or initiatives. An ongoing case in the Supreme Court of India is looking into the constitutional validity of the practice. The case will decide if the practice falls under the right to freedom of religion, which may allow religious denominations to continue practices which may be harmful such as FGM/C.
- International commitments to end FGM/C:
- Sustainable Development Goals Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and FGM/C.
- Voluntary national reporting indicator 5.3.2: Proportion of girls and women aged 15-49 years who have undergone FGM/C, by age.
- Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Ratified in 1993.
- Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): Ratified in 1992.
