FGM has a reputation of being a rare and remote practice, inflicted on only girls in the poorest communities in the most underdeveloped countries. L ittle surprise. Given the brutality and futility of the practice, it is difficult to imagine that it would persist long if girls, women and their communities were given alternatives. Yet, FGM does persist in great numbers. And most people are surprised to learn that although it is concentrated in Africa, it is also seen in the Middle East, Europe, North America and South America, with unconfirmed reports in other countries. A brief overview of FGM globally shows the scope of the problem. This month’s stand against FGM needs to be truly international to ensure all girls and women, regardless of country, regardless of community, are protected from cutting, burning and scarring, both physically and psychologically. Check out this interactive map which gives a broad scope of the issue around the world. Cover Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond, Flickr Creative CommonsFiled under: Female Genital Mutilation, Rights Tagged: #endFGM, gender based violence, Global …![]()
