Exploring the association between FGM/C and early/child marriage: A review of the evidence

Abstract

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been frequently linked to marriageability and thought to be associated with child marriage, yet there is remarkably little rigorous research to clarify the relationship between these two practices to inform discussions and responses. Furthermore, trends are also shifting in the timing of FGM/C from adolescence to early childhood, and the implications this might have on the links between early/child marriage and FGM/C are not well understood. This review of current available evidence aims to assess the association between FGM/C and early/child marriage in contexts where both practices are carried out. The social and cultural norms that underpin both practices and thus their continuation may vary across cultures and countries and even change over time; the challenge is to understand how social norms will and could be changed to end harmful practices that affect the lives of girls and women

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