Reflections from Five Years of Research on FGM/C
From 2015 to 2019, the Evidence to End FGM/C research consortium took a fresh approach to examining the longstanding practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The African-led program developed innovative research methods and uncovered new evidence about the practice and how it is changing—focusing on families and communities, and health and legal systems. This report documents the consortium's research methods, the key lessons learned, capacity strengthening efforts, enhanced advocacy for research uptake, and recommendations. The research sheds light on key areas for future investments that would ensure that FGM/C policies and programs are informed by rigorous evidence. The recommendations stem from the lessons learned on how local variations, social and cultural underpinnings, the health sector, and laws influence the practice of FGM/C. Wide-ranging partnerships brought together researchers, civil society members, government officials, and technical experts to find new answers. Going forward, such partnerships among institutions with well-established national, regional, and global networks will be key to ensuring that evidence is effectively used to influence policy and program actions.