France

65,348,835

0.39%

Number of girls and women affected

In 2019, the number of adult women living in France, who have undergone female genital cutting (FGC) is estimated at 125,000. The last study made in 2007 (Excision et Handicap) estimated at about 62,000 the number of FGM survivors in France.

FGC is not traditionally practised in France, however it has been known to continue within some diaspora, refugee and immigrant populations.

The Institut National D’Études Démographiques has noted that 3% of daughters of women in France who’ve undergone FGC may be at risk of undergoing the practice.

Source: Lesclingand, Marie & Andro, Armelle & Lombart, Théo. (2019), European Institute for Gender Equality and Institut National D’Études Démographiques

Type practised

The type of FGC practised by communities in France is likely to be varied, depending on the traditions surrounding the practice within their ethnic group/country of heritage.

[Source: UNICEF, DHS and MICS]

Age

The average age at which girls living in France have undergone FGC is unknown. Girls at risk may undergo FGC from birth, approximately up until the age of 16, depending on the traditional age of cutting within a specific ethnic group.

Agent

Varied. Girls living in France may be at risk of undergoing the practice within the country, or overseas. This could be carried out by a medical practitioner, or by a traditional cutter.

Legal status

Illegal. There is no specific criminal law provision on FGC in France, however over 100 people have been jailed for carrying out FGC, overseeing cutting, or taking a girl abroad to undergo the practice. These cases were brought forward under general criminal law.

National progress

• 2019 – The Gender Advisory Council to the G7 France listed FGC as one of it’s top priorities

Human Development Index ranking

24 in 2018 index, based on 2017 data.

Infant mortality rate

3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (2016).

Maternal mortality rate

8 deaths per 100,000 live births (2015).

Source: Human Development Index

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