In Africa today, women's voices are being raised against female genital mutilation. Inspired by the United Nations Decade for Women, this report seeks to present information in a logical, coherent manner to stimulate support for eradication of the practice. It describes steps African governments, Western states, and international agencies can take to end the custom. The report discusses the facts, the practice, and the complexity of the female genital mutilation issue; international initiatives and actions, programs, and proposals; the situation in Northeast Africa, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, East Africa, West Africa, and the Western World; directions for the future; and active organizations. The information can be used as a resource for those concerned with the health and welfare of women and children, and with development, social change, and human rights. In Western countries, the fact that female genital mutilation may be practiced in African immigrant or refugee communities demonstrates that teachers must be educated about the practice. Other roles for education include: expanding educational practices currently available; integrating health promotion and counselling against female genital mutilation; and supporting parents who might be considering refraining from the practice. (LL)