One Decade of Progress: Eradicating the Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Practice in Indonesia

A new photo-story publication  from UNFPA serves as a visual testament to how Indonesia's leading intellectuals and religious leaders unite to eradicate the harmful practice.

Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) has been a pervasive reality for women and girls in Indonesia, with an alarming statistic revealing that half of Indonesian girls have undergone some form of this harmful practice.

Deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, FGM/C has persisted through generations in Indonesian communities. However, over the years, there has been an increasing public awareness regarding the risks and harms associated with FGM/C, which has led to a growing resistance against this practice.

A united front comprising government officials, women's rights activists, religious leaders, health workers, and young people individuals has emerged to advocate against FGM/C, demonstrating dedication to protect the dignity, health, and future of women and girls.

In this endeavour, United Nations Population Fund  (UNFPA) Indonesia and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA)  published a book that chronicles a decade of collaborative efforts between UNFPA, KemenPPPA, and their partners to combat FGM/C.

Titled "A Decade of Efforts in the Elimination of FGM/C in Indonesia," this publication is a visual testament to the progress made in the battle against FGM/C. Through the power of photography, it captures the stories of those impacted by FGM/C, shedding light on its consequences and the initiatives taken to eradicate it.

The photo stories contained in this publication serve as a collective declaration of the agency, choices, and resilience of women and girls striving to end FGM/C in Indonesia. These stories  illustrate the shared commitment to eradicating this practice. The joint efforts of UNFPA, KemenPPPA, and their partners offer hope, inspiration, and a renewed determination to continue the journey toward a society where FGM/C is but a distant memory.

Read the book on UNFPA Publication:

https://indonesia.unfpa.org/en/publications/one-decade-indonesias-efforts-eradication-practice-fgmc-experience-unfpas-working