Disturbing new trends drive up female genital mutilation in Africa

Thirteen-year-old Salamatu Jalloh’s promising future turned tragic when her lifeless body was discovered wrapped in a pink and blue shroud in a village in Sierra Leone in January 2023.

Salamatu, along with two other girls, bled to death after undergoing a secretive initiation into womanhood by the Bondo society. The ceremony, spanning several weeks, began with excitement but involved a violent act: the cutting and removal of the girls’ external genitalia.

Their heartbreaking deaths underscored the grim reality outlined in the latest Unicef report on female genital mutilation (FGM). The report reveals that 230 million girls and women worldwide have survived FGM, with African countries bearing the brunt, accounting for 144 million cases.

Despite efforts to combat FGM, the global tally continues to rise, with 30 million more victims compared to eight years ago. Understanding the reasons behind this persistent practice is crucial. Some concerning trends include conservative opposition to anti-FGM initiatives, a rise in secretive procedures, and a shift towards so-called “less severe” forms of FGM.

FGM supporters often cite cultural and religious reasons, believing it enhances cleanliness, marriage prospects, and family honor. However, FGM has no health benefits and poses numerous risks, from immediate complications like shock and hemorrhage to long-term issues such as infertility and psychological trauma.

While some African countries have made progress in reducing FGM, challenges persist, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Somalia and Sudan. The erosion of rights amid instability exacerbates the problem, with poverty and displacement driving families to resort to harmful practices like FGM to maintain traditions and secure dowries.

Efforts to combat FGM must address these complex socio-cultural dynamics and adapt strategies accordingly. This includes tackling conservative resistance, tracking secretive procedures, and promoting alternatives to FGM within communities. Only through concerted, accelerated action can we hope to eliminate this egregious form of abuse and safeguard the rights and well-being of girls and women globally.

Re-reported the article originally published in The conversation.