Berkley Center

The topic of female genital cutting (FGC) has both public health and human rights dimensions, with particular relevance to questions of gender equality and the rights of children. It is also a practice with deep cultural and religious roots, which raises the vital question of where culture ends and religion begins—and how these dimensions do and should affect development strategy. Based on a case study, this workshop was split into two parts: the first half focusing on the broad debates around the practice of female genital cutting, and the second half focusing on approaches to eliminating FGC within Egypt.