Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a reflection of the violation of women's basic human rights. The new prohibiting laws In Egypt seem to have no significant effect on its prevalence. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and attitudes of women in Upper Egypt regarding FGM, and to identify the underlying motives that may help in change. This cross-sectional study was conducted on convenience sample of 300 women working in Minia University, Upper Egypt. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire including an attitude scale. Data collection lasted from 19/11/2009 to 17/5/2010. Women's age ranged between 18 and 60 years, and 30.7% were illiterate; 95.7% of women and77.3% of their daughters were circumcised. The attitude towards FGM was generally encouraging it. Multivariate analysis showed that lower education and having been circumcised were the statistically significant independent predictors of the attitude score. Meanwhile, the determinants of getting daughter
circumcised were woman's older age, religious belief, lower education, and more encouraging attitude score. It is concluded that FGM is still an important and culturally sensitive issue in Upper Egypt, and most women, especially with low education, encourage it mainly on religious grounds. Health education efforts should be more focused on illiterate women, and must be supported by religious scholars