Child Marriage and Female Circumcision (FGM/C): Evidence from Ethiopia

Child marriage and female circumcision are linked practices that are widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa; they are common traditions in Ethiopia. Although regional bodies and governments have made strong commitments to ending both practices, they still remain common in parts of Ethiopia.

This policy brief, brought forth by Young Lives investigation, presents a general overview of female genital circumcision and early marriage in Ethiopia. Definitions are presented as well as rationale for both practices. If these practices are to be abolished in a generation, Young Lives finds it necessary for multi-stakeholder involvement in a range of satellite issues: poverty reduction, social protection agendas, as well as girls’ economic and social empowerment.