Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

6-2026

Abstract

This study, conducted in Sool and Sanaag regions of Somaliland within the context of The Girl Generation Support to the Africa-Led Movement (TGG-ALM), provides insights into how community-based, dialogue-driven interventions influence attitudes, social norms, and behavioural intentions related to FGM and gender.

Findings show that while personal opposition to FGM is relatively high, this does not consistently translate into perceived or collective opposition. Individuals tend to view their own attitudes as more progressive than those of their families and communities, pointing to a critical “norms misalignment” that constrains behaviour change. This gap suggests that entrenched social expectations – particularly around marriageability and social acceptance – continue to reinforce the practice, even where private attitudes are shifting.

The evaluation demonstrates that exposure to TGG-ALM interventions is strongly associated with more progressive attitudes, greater perceived social support for abandonment, and stronger intentions not to perpetuate FGM. Participants exposed to interventions were significantly more likely to oppose FGM, reject its perceived social and religious justifications, and support marriage to uncut girls. These shifts were also reflected in changing symbolic meanings attached to FGM, with exposed individuals less likely to associate cutting with notions of purity, cleanliness, or health.

However, the findings also highlight important limitations and uneven effects. Attitudinal and behavioural shifts were more pronounced among women than men, revealing persistent gender gaps that could slow broader normative change. In addition, intervention exposure was lower among younger and unmarried individuals – key groups for early norm transformation – indicating missed opportunities to influence attitudes before they are solidified. Qualitative evidence further suggests that changes are often partial, with greater acceptance of abandoning more severe forms of FGM than the practice in its entirety.

Beyond individual-level change, the study provides strong evidence of active social diffusion, with participants widely sharing messages on FGM and gender norms within and beyond their communities. This diffusion – supported by community champions, religious leaders, and local networks – indicates the potential for interventions to catalyse wider normative shifts, even among those not directly reached.

Importantly, the evaluation underscores that shifting attitudes alone is insufficient for sustained abandonment. Progress depends on closing the gap between personal beliefs and perceived social expectations, engaging men and younger populations more effectively, and reinforcing change through sustained, multi-level interventions. Strengthening community-led approaches, investing in gender-transformative strategies, and supporting locally embedded actors are critical to deepening impact.

Overall, the findings demonstrate that dialogue-based, community-driven interventions can catalyse meaningful change across attitudes, norms, and intentions. To translate these gains into long-term and irreversible abandonment of FGM, future efforts must focus on scaling inclusive approaches, addressing persistent gender and generational gaps, and reinforcing collective commitment to change across all levels of society.

Language

English

Project

FGM Data Hub

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