Despite progress made in some regions, the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, has revealed that the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) globally has surpassed 230 million, with approximately 30 million individuals having undergone the procedure since 2016.
The majority of FGM cases are reported in Africa, where 144 million women and girls have been affected, followed by Asia and the Middle East, with 80 million and 6 million victims respectively. Somalia ranks highest among countries with prevalent FGM practices, with an alarming 99% of females aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure.
While efforts to combat FGM have shown some success, the decline in the percentage of affected individuals is deemed insufficient to keep pace with the rapid population growth. UNICEF emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly as more girls are subjected to FGM at younger ages, often before reaching the age of five.
FGM poses significant health risks, including severe bleeding, infections, and long-term complications such as urinary tract problems, menstrual issues, and childbirth complications. Additionally, survivors may experience psychological trauma, depression, and low self-esteem.
Despite notable progress in countries like Burkina Faso, where FGM rates have declined from 80% to 30% over three decades, the overall trend indicates a rise in the number of victims. Conflict-affected nations such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan are particularly vulnerable, with political instability hindering efforts to prevent FGM and provide support to survivors.
UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell underscores the need for accelerated action to address FGM, emphasizing that current efforts fall short of achieving the U.N.’s goal of eradicating the practice globally by 2030. Nimco Ali, CEO of the Five Foundation, echoes this sentiment, calling for increased funding and concerted efforts to end FGM and safeguard the rights of girls worldwide.
SOURCE: Ref Image from AAIS
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