Oman

4,926,146

4.18%

Estimated prevalence among girls and women

There are no national statistics on the prevalence of female genital cutting (FGC) in Oman. Various academic studies and small scale surveys have reported prevalence rates of between 20% and 95%.

Type practised

Girls in Oman are thought to undergo FGC Type I and Type II.

Age

Unknown. There are some reports of girls in Oman undergoing the practice at birth.

Agent

Traditional practitioners.

Source: Al Hinai         

Legal status

Legal. There is no law prohibiting FGC in Oman, however according to an initial state party CEDAW report, a government decree forbids the practice.

Source: UNICEF

National progress

• 2005 – The Omani health ministry set out its ‘Five-Year Health Plan: 2006 – 2010’, which included an aim to collect data on FGC in Oman. No such study has yet been published.

Source: Al Hinai         

Human Development Index ranking

48 in 2018 index, based on 2017 data.

Infant mortality rate

9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (2016).

Maternal mortality rate

17 deaths per 100,000 live births (2015).

Source: Human Development Index

Prevalence breakdown

By region

Unknown. FGC has been reported as occurring throughout Oman, including the southern region of Dhofar, Sharqiya in the north, Dakhiliya, and the coastal region of Batina. According to research, women originating from Muscat are less likely to have undergone the practice.

Source: Al Hinai

Resources and Media