Malawi

19,434,816

2.91%

Estimated prevalence among girls and women

Unknown. There are no national statistics available on female genital cutting (FGC) in Malawi, but there are reports of the practice occurring in southern regions of the country.

Type practised

Reports from Malawi indicate that FGC is viewed as a rite of passage within some communities, however the type of cutting is unknown.

Age

Unknown. Reports indicate that FGC may take place around the age of puberty.

Agent

Unknown, however FGC is likely to be carried out by a traditional cutter.

Legal status

Legal.

Challenges to ending FGC

• Lack of research, data and understanding of how the practice is perpetuated within Malawian communities remain a challenge to ending FGC.
• Secrecy surrounding FGC within Malawian communities presents a hurdle in opening up dialogue around the practice.

Human Development Index ranking

171 in 2018 index, based on 2017 data.

Infant mortality rate

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

Maternal mortality rate

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

Source: Human Development Index

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