Globally, the evidence strongly demonstrates that the most effective approaches to eradicating FGM are those that understand FGM as a human rights issue, in a holistic, community-based, culturally sensitive, sexual and reproductive health context.

A collective, coordinated and sustained effort to eliminate FGM can only be achieved if women who have undergone the procedure are treated with respect and provided with the support and resources needed for cultural change. Failure to do this may further stigmatise the women who have themselves been subjected to FGM.

Women affected by FGM are at the centre of successful programs; as the group most directly impacted by the practice, they are “potentially the best agents to bring about its demise”.