Ending Female Genital Mutilation by 2030
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve
altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is
recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the
health and the integrity of girls and women.
Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications
such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in
passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and
reproductive health and mental health.
Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle
East, female genital mutilation is a universal problem and is also practiced in
some countries in Asia and Latin America. Female genital mutilation continues
to persist amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North
America, Australia and New Zealand.
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic
has negatively and disproportionately affected girls and women, resulting in a
shadow pandemic disrupting SDG target 5.3 on
the elimination of all harmful practices including, female genital
mutilation. UNFPA estimates
additional 2 million girls projected to be at risk of undergoing female genital
mutilation by 2030. In response to this disruption, the United Nations, through
its UNFPA-UNICEF
joint programme, has been adapting interventions that ensure the
integration of female genital mutilation in humanitarian and post-crisis
response.
To promote the elimination of
female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and
they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to
the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.
#UN #GENDER_EQUALITY #HUMAN_RIGHTS
#PEACE #SEXUAL_EDUCATION #HWPL
#COVID_19
FGM must absolutely come to an end. Thank you for this informative post. Let's work as one for this.
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