Distribution of FGM/C across Senegal
The prevalence of FGM/C varies widely across Senegal, from 5.4% of women aged 15–49 who live in the central region to 73.0% of those who live in the south.
FGM/C prevalence also varies between peoples of different ethnic groups and religions. The highest-practising groups include the Mandigue/Soce (67.2%), Soninké (64.3%), Diola (48.7%) and Poular (52.1%). The lowest prevalences are found among the Wolof (0.7%) and the Serer (1.2%), although these are based on very small sample sizes.
Prevalence is 24.1% among Muslims and 4.6% among Christians. 11.5% of women and 12.0% of men who have heard of FGM/C believe it is a religious requirement.
The greatest support for the continuation of FGM/C is among young women aged 15–19, men and women from the most-frequently-practising ethnic groups, those living in rural areas and those surveyed who had little education or were in the lowest wealth quintile.
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Trends in FGM Prevalence in Senegal
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The prevalence of FGM/C in women (aged 15–49) is 23.3%. This is a slight decrease from 24.0% in 2017 and again from 28.2% in 2005. Due to the large age-range of women included, however, the overall prevalence alone may not fully reflect the progress that has been made in recent years. Breaking down the most recent data by age group shows that the prevalence for women aged 45–49 is 24.5%, while for the youngest age group this has fallen to 21.4%. Despite the fact that a small proportion of women may be cut after the age of 15, the data suggests a trend towards lower prevalences for younger women, although the data points are of course affected by statistical fluctuations.
_cover.jpg "Country Profile Update: FGM in Senegal (2018, English)")
_french_cover.jpg "Senegal: The Law and FGM/C (2018, French)")
_english.jpg "Executive Summary: FGM in Senegal (2015, English)")
_french.jpg "Executive Summary: FGM in Senegal (2015, French)")
_cover.jpg "Country Profile: FGM in Senegal (2015, English)")
