Story perspectives

FGM/C Threatens Women's Rights in Southeast Asia: Urgent Action Needed

2/6/2026

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Advocates Combat FGM/C

FGM/C poses a threat to women's rights in Southeast Asia, with over one million cases reported.
Indonesia and Malaysia face challenges to bans because religious justifications hinder policy action.
The Indonesian government aims to reduce FGM/C prevalence from 46% to 34% by 2029.
Southeast Asia lacks a regional strategy to combat FGM/C, unlike some African nations.
Advocates urge including FGM/C in human rights agendas and addressing medicalisation and harmful beliefs.

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Survivors Challenge FGM

In Tanzania’s Mara region, communities challenge entrenched female genital mutilation (FGM).
Olivia Albert, a survivor leader, inspires courage among young girls to abandon FGM.
In Guinea, Imam Ousmane Yabara Camara emphasizes that FGM is not mandated by Islam and advocates education to end practice.
In Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia, a national fatwa removes religious justifications for FGM.
In Ethiopia, activists engage men and boys, noting no medical justification for FGM.

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Advocates Combat FGM/C

FGM/C poses a threat to women's rights in Southeast Asia, with over one million cases reported.
Indonesia and Malaysia face challenges to bans because religious justifications hinder policy action.
The Indonesian government aims to reduce FGM/C prevalence from 46% to 34% by 2029.
Southeast Asia lacks a regional strategy to combat FGM/C, unlike some African nations.
Advocates urge including FGM/C in human rights agendas and addressing medicalisation and harmful beliefs.

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