Socio-demographic and economic differentials of female genital cutting in Tanzania

Ernest Afrifa-Anane, Regional Institute for Population Studies

Countries practicing female genital cutting (FGC) normally have high infant and maternal mortality, since there are cases of obstruction in childbirth. In Tanzania, Millennium Development Goal(s) 4 and 5 needs attention. The study aims at investigating the socio-demographic and economic differentials of women by FGC status on their approval of FGC. A sample of 7579 women within ages 15 – 49 were the unit of analysis from the 2004/05 TDHS. Uncircumcised women were less likely to approve of the practice (circumcised women were about 2.02 and 1.899 times more likely to be uncertain) as well as, women of husbands with higher education. Tanzania would be able to see an appraisal in achieving the UN MDG’s 4 and 5, if both men and women, especially those in the rural areas are formally educated. Advocacy groups can also involve religious leaders in Tanzania, as religion was found to be significant with FGC’s approval.