Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting FGM/C is practiced in at least 28 countries in Africa, and up to 6 or more in the Middle East and Asia. This research aims to produce a global evidence base, on what will work and why, on the most effective and cost-effective approaches to ending FGM/C that can be used inform future policy and programming. This has the overall aim of reducing FGMC by 30% in the first 5 years of the programme in at least 10 African countries and has a vision to end the practice in a generation. This research contributes towards achieving MDG 3 – gender equality and empowerment and will produce rigorous, operationally relevant research that is accessible to decision-makers influencing strategic investment, policy and programming to end FGM/C, at the national and international level