The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme ”Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): Accelerating Change” was implemented in 15 African countries over the period 2008 to 2013. This summary report covers Phase 1 of the programme.

The Joint Programme maintained a social norms perspective at the core of its framework. This included employing educational activities and community dialogues to create non-threatening space where people could reevaluate their beliefs and values regarding FGM/C. The programme also engaged with traditional leaders to leverage support.

Although the joint programme helped create many favourable conditions likely to support the sustainability of achievements at the national and community level, it pinpointed areas needing improvement, such as: improved data collection on FGM/C prevalence and practice; countries must sustain change to keep the momentum of change. Learnings from phase 1 will be used to impact and shape phase 2.