Somalia bans female genital mutilation in the new constitution

September 28 2012, category: International NEWS
The practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been banned in Somalia under the country’s new constitution.

An estimated 96% of women in the African country undergo the practice, with up to 140 million globally living with FGM/C.

Prominent Somali women’s advocate Fatima Jibrell told African humanitarian news service IRIN: “The fact that the new provisional constitution outlaws the circumcision of girls is a welcome development, but this will require education, awareness-raising and strong legal provisions.”

Photo: Clitoraid Leaders from Burkina Faso, Bane and Abi, who actively promote awareness raising against FGM in Africa.