The goal of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting

(FGM/C): Accelerating Change is to contribute to the abandonment of FGM/C within a generation in 17 African countries where the practice is widespread through a holistic, human rightsbased, cross-border programme approach.

 

Launched in 2007 at global level but in 2008 at country level, the Joint Programme supports community and national efforts that have demonstrated their eff ectiveness in creating positive social change. Using an innovative approach in which two UN agencies work in synergy under the leadership of national governments, the programme acts as a catalyst for being undertaken at country and regional level through on-going programmes and not being a standalone initiative. In partnership with civil society, religious leaders, communities and key stakeholders, the programme seeks to reduce the practice of FGM/C by 40 per cent among girls aged 0 to 15 years by 2012. It is expected that at least one country will declare the total abandonment of FGM/C during the same period.

 

While the Joint Programme was meant to accelerate progress in 17 countries, due to shortages of fund it had to prioritize interventions in fewer countries. As such, during 2010, only 12 countries could be supported, with three additional receiving specific technical assistance.