14.8 Million Girls Worldwide at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation – UNFPA

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a distressing warning, revealing that approximately 14.8 million girls and women across the globe are at risk of undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the future.

FGM involves the partial or total removal of female genital organs for non-medical reasons, posing severe health risks and constituting a violation of human rights.

Speaking at a two-day training session for journalists on FGM in Lagos, Karima Bungudu, an FGM Analyst from UNFPA, emphasized the gravity of the practice and its implications for the well-being of affected girls.

She highlighted that over 200 million women and girls have already been subjected to FGM worldwide, resulting in significant medical and health consequences.

Dr. Aliyu Yakubu, the Acting Head of UNFPA in Cross River State, called upon the media and the general public to raise their voices against Female Genital Mutilation.

He condemned the practice unequivocally, emphasizing that its medicalization only further exacerbates the dangers associated with it.

Kori Habib, a Media Associate from UNFPA, explained that the purpose of the training was to equip media practitioners with the necessary tools to effectively campaign against FGM.

By enhancing the capacity of journalists to report on the issue, the training aims to generate stronger public awareness and advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation.

The alarming statistics presented by the UNFPA underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to eradicate this harmful practice.

With millions of girls at risk of undergoing FGM, it is crucial for society, the media, and international organizations to join forces in combating this violation of human rights and protecting the health and well-being of girls and women worldwide.