The United Nations General Assembly on December 20 unanimously passed a resolution banning the practice of Female Genital Mutilation. This significant milestone towards the ending of harmful practices and violations that constitute serious threat to the health of women and girls was taken by the 194 UN Member States, who approved five General Assembly resolutions today on advancing women’s rights, including one on intensifying global efforts for the elimination of female genital mutilations (FGM).
Female Genital Mutilation affects about 100-140 million women and girls worldwide, and each year it is estimated that an additional three million girls are at risk of being subjected to the practice globally.
John Hendra, UN Women Assistant-Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director said to the ban:
“This is a very important step to bringing about cultural and attitudinal change. Just as important though, is working on the ground with governments, communities and other partners to end FGM. UN Women’s experience in Burkina Faso, Benin and other countries shows that while efforts to criminalize FGM are vital, they need to be backed up with services for victims, engaging key influencers and supporting community-based activities to change social norms, as well as practical actions to bring perpetrators to justice,”
A good move but came rather too late for the estimated 140 million girls and women living with the consequences of FGM. However, it beter to be late than never. I hope the ban will help as many as possible to escape this practice that is based on superstition and attempt by traditional societies to have control over sexual behaviour of the female child.
The ban will be effect if the 194 UN member states that are signatory to the resolutions would put legislative measures in place to punish offenders. It is an important tool that will be its effectiveness depends on the use made of it.
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