Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a global problem.
There are an estimated 200 million women and girls all over the world currently living with its effects, of which 44 million are below the age of 15. A further 3 million are still expected to be cut every single year.
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FGM refers to the non-medical procedure that partially or totally removes the external female genitalia — with extremely harmful health consequences. Survivors have reported serious issues with sex, urination, menstruation, pregnancy, and more.
It’s often seen by practicing communities as a ceremony of purification, to prepare daughters for marriage. But ultimately, it is the attempt of a patriarchal society to control female sexuality — and a serious human rights violation, according to the UN.
It is not tied to any specific religion — it’s practiced across Islamic and Christian countries but is not referred to in the Quran or the Bible.
And predominantly, FGM affects young girls.
In most countries, the majority of girls were cut before the age of five. However in Yemen, 85% of girls face it within the first week of their life. In England and Wales, an estimated 137,000 women and girls have undergone FGM.
Read More: Africa’s First Female President Bans FGM on Her Last Day in Office
Although there has been a sharp decline in young girls being cut in the last three decades, population growth means that it’s expected to increase significantly.
These are the eight countries where over 80% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM, according a 2016 report by UNICEF.
1. Somalia
Population: 14.3 million
Prevalence: 98%
How many women think it should end: 33%
#DYK The prevalence of #FGM varies widely across Africa - from as high as 98% (Somalia) & as low as 1% (Uganda). More importantly, FGM prevalence varies significantly within each country. Learn more here https://t.co/DzmgKKuPQE#research#womenshealthpic.twitter.com/kinRWxv8JO
— 28TooMany (@28TooMany) January 19, 2018
2. Guinea
Population: 12.4 million
Prevalence: 97%
How many women think it should end: 21%
We won't STOP until we win the fight.. Join us at @thereisnolimitf to BREAK THE SILENCE about #FGM ( female genital mutilation)#Guinea🇬🇳 pic.twitter.com/WgmhE9LwE8
— MARIAMA CAMARA™ (@Mariamaworld) August 21, 2017
3) Djibouti
Population: 942,000
Prevalence: 93%
How many women think it should end: 51%
Happy New Year from Djibouti! Many thanks to all our supporters for saving us from FGM!
— Waris Dirie (@Waris_Dirie) January 12, 2018
Lots of Love <3
SAFA and INAB pic.twitter.com/Eex7190eFi
4) Sierra Leone
Population: 7.4 million
Prevalence: 90%
How many women think it should end: 23%
White women scream rape the world was outraged as we should but Sierra Leonian politician commission 500 #fgm procedures 2 win votes, no outrage, I stand with my Sierra Leonian sisters fighting everyday @consideredview@JayKFrederick@TheAlima@KamSarian & many more ❤️
— Leyla Hussein FRSA (@LeylaHussein) January 18, 2018
5) Mali
Population: 18 million
Prevalence: 89%
How many women think it should end: 20%
89% of girls and women in #Mali have undergone FGM. But there is hope and religious leaders have joined the fight to end this practice. https://t.co/DXJ1ibqgFR by @Poulodebo#EndFGMpic.twitter.com/7rygrY0hcA
— The Girl Generation (@TheGirlGen) December 9, 2017
6) Egypt
Population: 95.7 million
Prevalence: 87%
How many women think it should end: 38%
A lot of work still to do but signs of reducing #FGM prevalence in #Egypt among younger girls https://t.co/VANOx1NPvW#EndFGM#Research#positivetrendpic.twitter.com/RyOdJFKOR2
— 28TooMany (@28TooMany) December 30, 2017
7) Sudan
Population: 39.6 million
Prevalence: 87%
How many women think it should end: 53%
Kenya is ranked 3rd globally when it comes to medicalization of FGM–41% while Egypt has the highest rate–75% and Sudan 2nd - 50% #EndFGMKE
— End FGM Campaign (@EndingFGM) November 13, 2017
8) Eritrea
Population: 4.5 million
Prevalence: 83%
How many women think it should end: 82%
In Eritrea 82.2% of women and 83.5% of men believe #FGM should be stopped. Find out more at https://t.co/uF325f2a6P#EndFGM#Eritrea#Researchpic.twitter.com/qkdYiPYfJT
— 28TooMany (@28TooMany) January 9, 2018
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