Towards a better estimation of female genital mutilation in the European Union: an overview of existing evidence in all EU Member States

This paper focuses on a study that identified and analysed all existing estimates of the prevalence of Female genital mutilation in all 28 European Union Member States and provided suggestions on how ideally it should be estimated. The presentation will present main findings and conclusions.

Objectives: The study aimed at identifying and analysing existing prevalence data on female genital mutilation in the 28 EU Member States and to provide recommendations for an improved estimation of prevalence of FGM.

Methods: The study on prevalence was part of a broader study, and was performed between December 1 2011 and December 15 2012. It included a systematic web-based search in all EU Member States and Croatia, performed by 28 national researchers (one in each Member State), following a common methodology for performing the research, analysis and reporting. The methodologies used in the studies on prevalence data were analysed and discussed at an international expert meeting.

Results: We identified no ongoing, systematic, representative surveys on FGM prevalence in all 28 countries. In 8 countries, we identified 13 prevalence studies and a number of critical issues with these studies. The paper proposes definitions of a baseline and an enhanced FGM prevalence estimate. A number of administrative records were equally ide