The director of the Center for Strategic Initiatives of Women (CSIW), a non-governmental organization in Washington, D.C. that advocates the rights of women in the Horn of Africa, stated that the decision by a woman whether or not to oppose the genital mutilation of her daughters depends on her level of education, her financial means, and the authority exercised by her spouse in the family (4 Nov. 1999). However, she added, the pressure put on her by her family and society could make her life difficult. The person responsible for the North African and Middle Eastern program of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) in New York corroborated this information (4 Nov. 1999). In addition, she explained that legislation enacted in 1994 against female genital mutilation has never come into force and that the situation of women opposed to the practice is difficult. She contended that despite the woman's decision, the extended family (hers and her husband's) is very powerful and could decide to have the daughters undergo genital mutilation without their mother's knowledge (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Center for Strategic Initiatives of Women (CSIW), Washington, DC. 4 November 1999. Telephone interview with the Director.

United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), New York. 4 November 1999. Telephone interview with North African and Middle Eastern program.

Africa Confidential [London]. Weekly. January 1998 - October 1999.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. Monthly. January - December 1998.

Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. Weekly.

New African [London]. Monthly.

Electronic sources : IRB Databases, LEXIS, NEXIS, Internet, WNC.