More than 230 million women in the world are ‘genitally circumcised’, UNICEF says, which is experienced by many toddlers

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Jakarta –

The latest report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that more than 230 million women and girls have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM), or in layman’s language, female circumcision.

Of this figure, the most cases occurred in African countries, namely 144 million cases, followed by 80 million cases in Asia, and 6 million cases in the Middle East. In addition, it is thought to also occur in small communities and countries that migrate to other places in the world.

Although FGM is not yet common globally, analysis shows the number of girls born in these countries is increasing rapidly compared to the rest of the world. This means that future prevention efforts must address larger at-risk populations.

The report’s analysis also shows that 4 out of 10 FGM survivors live in vulnerable and conflict-affected environments, plus population growth is also rapid. This combination can overwhelm education and health services, divert resources towards crises, and disrupt programs that address gender inequality, complicating efforts to address FGM.

Countries such as Somalia and Sudan face the challenge of addressing widespread FGM, among other pressing issues, and amidst conflict and population growth. While the country of Ethiopia has consistently made progress, climate shocks, disease, and food insecurity complicate the implementation of programs to support girls.

The report also reveals that progress is possible and continuing to increase. Half of the progress achieved in the last 30 years occurred in just the last decade. Examples of countries are Kenya, where prevalence decreased from moderate to low, Sierra Leone, where prevalence decreased from high to moderately high, and Egypt, which began to decline from previously almost universal levels.

“Female genital mutilation harms girls’ bodies, dims their future and endangers their lives,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, quoted on its official website, Sunday (10/3).

“We are also seeing a worrying trend that more and more girls are falling victim to the practice at a younger age, many before their fifth birthday. This further reduces opportunities for intervention. We need to strengthen efforts to end this dangerous practice ,” he said.

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