- FGM/C Research Initiative

Distribution of FGM/C across CAR

FGM/C is practised across all prefectures and ethnic groups in the CAR. The regions with the highest prevalence are in the centre of the country: Region 4 (Nana Grebizi, Kemo, Ouaka) (60.6%) and Region 5 (Haute-Kotto, Bamingui-Bangoran, Vakaga) (65.4%). The region with the lowest prevalence is Region 2 (Sangha Mbaere, Mambere-Kadei, Nana Mambere), at 5.6%. Women aged 15–49 who live in rural areas are more likely to undergo FGM/C (27.5%) than those who live in urban areas (11.9%).

Prevalence of FGM/C is inversely correlated with level of wealth.

The highest prevalence of FGM/C is among households where the head is of Banda ethnicity (52.9% of women aged 15–49); the lowest is found among households where the head is of Mboum ethnicity (4.0%).

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Trends in FGM/C Prevalence in CAR

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Between 2010 and 2018–19, the overall prevalence for women aged 15–49 fell from 24.2% to 21.6%. 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 by age group the most recent data (which is from 2018–19) shows that the prevalence for women aged 45–49 is 24.8%, while for the youngest age-group this has fallen to 17.3%. Despite the fact that a small proportion of women may be cut after the age of 15, the data demonstrates a clear trend towards lower prevalence among younger women.