We at ECWR were deeply saddened by the news of the death of Bodour Shaker this month after having been circumcised by a doctor in a private clinic in El Minya. The practice of FGM, which is dangerous both physically and psychologically, has barely deceased in prevalence over the past years and still remains as high as 95.8%, despite the large number and high profile of government and NGO projects working to stop the practice.

 It's clear that much needs to be done in order to design a more effective approach. ECWR carried out a small scale study of perceptions and practice in our target area in the rural areas and slums of North Giza and North Cairo. We strongly urge all institutions and organizations working on FGM to join together to study, analyze and strategize about how to effectively tackle FGM in Egypt.

 Over the next months, ECWR with the assistance of the Population Council, will be collecting and publishing data on FGM abandonment projects currently operating in Egypt and providing them as part of an online directory at www.stopfgmc.org. Please visit our website to learn more, www.ecwronline.org, or email us at ecwr@link.net with questions or information on FGM related activities or events.t our website  projects.atic Transition and es, the bnext phase of our

Sincerely,

Nehad Abu El Komsan

ECWR Chair