Global Call to End Female Genital Mutilation Amidst Rising Awareness

ATAustria|

Millions of women worldwide remain affected by female genital mutilation (FGM), with over 200 million girls and women having undergone the procedure, according to United Nations estimates. The alarming practice, which can lead to severe health complications, aims to be eradicated within five years, but challenges continue to persist.

Despite a strong global push for change, around five million girls and women are still at risk annually. In Gambia, for instance, a recent legal proposal sparked protests from women advocating for the preservation of existing FGM prohibitions, illustrating the complex social and cultural resistance against FGM bans. The consequences of this practice extend beyond immediate physical pain, leading to chronic infections and complications during childbirth.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, as recognized by the UN, serves as a pivotal reminder of the urgent need to combat this human rights violation. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of education and awareness to dismantle cultural practices that endanger the health and rights of women.

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