Maldives
Maldives
- Prevalence of FGM/C: 13% of women aged 15-49 in the Maldives have undergone FGM/C. The prevalence of female circumcision increases steeply with age. Only 1% of women aged 15-19% are circumcised, compared to 38% of women aged 45-49. There is little regional variation in the prevalence of FGM/C. 10% of women in North Central region are cut compared with 15% in the South region.
- Types of FGM/C thought to be practised: Not known.
- Legal status of FGM/C: No specific national legislation prohibiting FGM/C.
- Relevant policies relating to FGM/C: No specific national policies or initiatives. FGM/C is reported to be on the rise due to fatwas being issued on specific islands in support of the practice.
- 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 1991.
