Background: Among harmful traditional practices, Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) isrnwidely practiced across the world. The practice involves either partial or total removal of the femalernexternal genitalia for various reasons. FGM is documented to be rooted in religious, personal andrnsocietal factors. The practice is documented to be widespread across Ethiopia and is believed to bernwidely practiced in Somali region.rnObjective: To assess barriers of behavioral change to stop FGM practice among women of KebrirnBeyah district in Somali region, where the high prevalence of FGM is documented.rnMethods: A community-based cross-section study design was applied. Both quantitative andrnqualitative methods were employed to generate relevant evidence. A total of 633 households drawnrnfrom five randomly selected kebeles involved in the quantitative part of the study. Participants werernpurposefully identified and involved in the qualitative study. The survey data was analyzed by SPSSrnversion 21. Multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the existence of a relationship betweenrndependent and socio demographic characteristics. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzedrnthematically and the result was presented in narration.rnResults: This study revealed that 62.7% of the respondents have intention to circumcise their daughterrnin the future. Religion was the major reasons for the perpetuation of this practice. About 73.2% ofrncircumcision was performed by traditional birth attendants. Eighty seven percent of participantsrnresponded that FGM was being practiced in that area. More than 79.9% of participants were undergonernSunni type of circumcision. Most 89.8% of respondents were found to have good knowledge aboutrnnegative health outcome of FGM and 66.1% of respondents had negative attitude towards FGM.rnLiterate women were less likely intending to continue FGM compared to illiterate women (AOR=0.58,rn95% CI; (0.42-0.91)). Those who have television at home have less intention for continuation of FGMrncompared to those who have not television. (AOR=0.49, 95% CI: (0.36, 0.77))rnConclusion: The study shows that the intention to stop female genital circumcision was less in KebrirnBeyah district. Most of women in this study have good knowledge about the negative health outcomernand negative attitude towards FGM. Yet, the prevalence of FGM/FGC is still high in the study area.rnMost of them undergo Sunni (clitoridectomy) type of circumcision. Traditional birth attendants werernthe main operators of female circumcision. Intention of women to stop FGM showed association withrnIXrneducation status and television. Religious organizations should have to explain to the community thatrnthere is no religious justification for the practice of FGM. Local organizations, community andrnreligious leaders should play major role in the process to bring good intention to stop FGM within thernentire community by arranging training, workshops, media campaign, public speech and outreach forrnawareness creation programmers.