In recent years there have been increased demands to include issues of childhood development on the national agenda and to link them to questions of human and social development. The issue of childhood development has expanded to include a number of related issues such as illiteracy, children's rights, poverty, dropping out of schools, and reproductive health. Within this framework ACPSS, UNICEF, and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood organized a seminar focusing on the question of female genital mutilation (FGM). The discussion highlighted a number of negative phenomenon and social norms associated with the practice of FGM such as the patriarchal social structure which impedes the implementation of the children's rights legislation adopted in 1996 and widespread discrimination against girls and women in spite of extensive awareness campaigns. Studies show that the practice of FGM is widespread and that it affects 97% of females in rural areas and 90% in urban areas.
Participants agreed that there is a need to highlight the correct religious position regarding FGM and to render more efficient awareness campaigns on this issue. They also agreed that there is a need to focus media campaigns on the younger generation and to rely on non-conventional methods of awareness raising. Overcoming the practice of FGM requires the effective participation of non-governmental and religious organizations which have social leverage. It also requires transforming a social value system which is increasingly heading in a more conservative direction.