Related Articles
South America
04 March 2019
49,644,533
There are approximately 250,000 people living in Colombia who identify as Embera-Chami, the only group known to have practised female genital cutting (FGC).
0.81%
Unknown.
There has been no national study of FGC conducted in Colombia.
Type I and II forms of FGC have been reported among the Embera-Chami tribe.
FGC is thought to typically be carried out within the first couple of weeks after birth.
Legal.
90 in 2018 index, based on 2017 data.
13.1 deaths per 1,000 live births (2016).
64 deaths per 100,000 live births (2015).
Source: Human Development Index
Research carried out by the Embera-Chami tribe with support from the UN, found that FGC is not indigenous to Colombia, but had been brought over during Spanish colonial rule.
The Embera-Chami, which is the only group known to practice FGC in Colombia, publicly committed to ending FGC in 2012.
Prevalence rates are unknown, however the tribe leaders committed to total abandonment by 2030.
Embera-Chami
Stay up-to-date with stories of change, news and research about ending female genital cutting by signing up to our newsletter.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
4.3 million girls around the world are currently at risk of being cut every year.
Your donation will help us accelerate an end to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) around the world.