In Mali, Grocer Wages War on FGM from His Closet
This tireless fighter told a contingent of visitors that if we wanted to truly engage in the struggle, we must see FGM take place. Then he showed us a video on his computer.
Genital Mutilation
Latest in Genital Mutilation
Liberian Journalist Threatened for FGM Coverage
Mae Azango has won international acclaim for her work, but faces ongoing criticism and death threats at home for challenging her own culture. If she were a white woman, she says, her work would not have hit such a nerve.
U.N. Gathering Spotlights Syria, Sexual Violence
Sexual violence in Syria and women’s global access to justice are expected to take highest priority as women’s advocates gather for the U.N. General Assembly. Also on the agenda: the unmet development goals for maternal health.
US May Save Moms’ Jobs; Wages Biased in 50 States
Credit: il-young ko on Flickr, under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).
(WOMENSENEWS)–
New Yorkers Walk to End Ritual Cutting of Girls
A 9-year-old girl in New York had her clitoris cut off with a razor without any anesthesia. Female genital mutilation is a big problem in this city. We’re shining a spotlight on the issue Sept. 15. Come out and hear from U.S. survivors.
Court Convicts Charles Taylor; FGM Prevalent in U.K.
Female genital mutilations have been performed on up to 100,000 women in the United Kingdom, with some medics offering to carry out the surgery on girls as young as 10, The Guardian reported April 22. Investigators from the Sunday Times filmed a doctor, dentist and alternative medicine practitioner all agreeing to carry out FGM, although it is illegal and carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Islamist Parliamentarian Objects to Egypt’s Ban on FGM
Egypt’s Azza El Garf, a longstanding female representative of the Muslim Brotherhood, strays from women’s rights activists and opposes illegalization of genital cutting. She also carves a separate path on issues such as divorce and family.
Phoenix Clinic Cares for Women with Cut Genitals
Medical care in the United States for women with female genital cutting is lagging and many women don’t trust doctors who appear to frown on their condition, say advocates. A specialized clinic in Phoenix provides a culturally sensitive approach.
Ugandan Physician-Lawmaker Moves to Criminalize FGM
After 500 young women in Uganda endured genital mutilations in the most recent season for the initiation rite, a physician lawmaker here is optimistic about outlawing the practice this year and finding new income for traditional surgeons.
Egypt Has Yet to Feel Impact of FGM Ban
In the year since Egypt outlawed female genital mutilation the government hasn’t prosecuted a single case. Nonetheless, some activists say the law is a tool, among others, for gradually dismantling an ancient tradition.
