By Philip Ngotiek

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that violates human rights and perpetuates gender-based violence. Despite significant efforts to eradicate it, new trends have emerged, posing fresh challenges. Firstly, the emergence of cross-border FGM which refers to the movement of families and practitioners across national boundaries to evade prosecution.

Recent studies reveal that this trend is gaining traction in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. This practice jeopardizes hard-won progress in eliminating FGM. An estimated one-quarter of the 200 million affected girls and women reside in these border areas, making it a critical concern. 

Medicalisation is another disturbing trend that involves performing FGM in clinical settings, often by trained health professionals. This shift from traditional practices to sterile environments perpetuates the harmful tradition. Some communities view medicalized FGM as safer, however, it remains a violation of human rights and continues to pose serious health risks to those involved. 

To combat cross-border FGM and medicalization, comprehensive strategies at the governmental level must enforce existing anti-FGM laws and create stringent penalties for cross-border practitioners. Collaboration between neighboring countries is crucial to harmonize legislation and facilitate cross-border cooperation. On top of that, working to sensitize border officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to identify and prevent cross-border movements related to FGM is also an important step. 

Finally, investing in community-based education and awareness campaigns, engaging religious leaders, elders, and youth to challenge harmful norms, and working to support survivors and provide accessible healthcare is an important part of capacity building that is necessary for the removal of this harmful practice. There are many dynamics of cross-border FGM, and further research can help inform evidence-based interventions and guide policy decisions. 

Ending FGM is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us unite across borders, advocate for legal reforms, and empower communities to protect their girls and women. Together, we can tame these new ways of FGM and ensure a safer, healthier future for all.

Ngotiek Philip (ngotiekphilip@gmail.com) sexual and reproductive health and rights and youth advocate at Naya Kenya