Belief in witchcraft hampers drive to end female genital mutilation in Guinea, campaigners say
Belief in witchcraft is hampering efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) in Guinea, where almost all girls are cut, campaigners said on Tuesday. Aminata Bah, who underwent FGM at the age of 5, said many people in the West African country believe traditional circumcisers ...
At current rate, female genital mutilation will take centuries to eradicate, U.N. says
Female genital mutilation (FGM) will take centuries to eradicate despite world leaders promising to end the practice by 2030, according to United Nations data released on Thursday. FGM remains as common today as 30 years ago in Somalia, Mali, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Chad and Senegal, ...
Sudan's midwives told to stop genital mutilation on mothers after birth
Sudanese midwives must stop performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on new mothers, health experts said on Thursday, adding that it was undermining broader efforts to wipe out the internationally condemned practice. Women's rights have moved into the spotlight in Sudan after women played a prominent ...
Somalia brings first prosecution for female genital mutilation
Somalia's Attorney General Ahmed Ali Dahir announced on Wednesday the country's first prosecution against female genital mutilation (FGM) following the death of a 10-year-old girl, an adviser to the government said. Ifrah Ahmed, who advises Somalia on gender issues, said the attorney general was sending ...
Solitary confinement in Tokyo not silencing Nigerian asylum activist, or her advocates
A prominent Nigerian asylum seeker and activist is being held in solitary confinement at a Tokyo detention center, a case that has highlighted a growing crackdown on foreign nationals living in Japan without visas, prompting demands for her release. Elizabeth Aruoriwo Obueza was detained last ...
Singapore comes under pressure over female genital cutting of babies
Medical clinics in Singapore are carrying out female genital cutting on babies, according to people with first-hand experience of the procedure, and despite the growing global condemnation of the practice that world leaders have pledged to eradicate. The ancient ritual — more commonly associated with ...
Safe alternative rites to female circumcision
New rites of passage to replace the traditional practice of female genital mutilation offers hope of protecting woman from bodily harm and helping them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives in Africa and the Middle East.
High hopes for victims of female genital mutilation
A nondescript suburb on the outskirts of San Francisco. A plain brick building. Seven nervous women wait in the sunlight. They are here for surgery, which perhaps has as much claim as any other to describe itself as "miraculous." The little building doesn't shout ...
