There is currently no law in Mali that specifically criminalizes female genital mutilation. The lack of legislation and social pressure make it very difficult to end this practice in this country.
Almost eight million girls and women have been subjected to this procedure. Organizations that defend women's rights in Mali emphasize the need to have a law that prohibits FGM, since legal change would help social change. The use of contraceptive methods is another of the key points of awareness, since the lack of family planning also affects women’s rights.