In a great victory to the women rights, Sudan has criminalised female genital mutilation (FGM), making it punishable by three years in jail.
While it promotes gender inequality, a lot of countries still follow FGM.
9 out of 10 women in those countries undergo FGM.
The procedure usually involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia and can cause a host of health problems.
Sudan Government approved an amedment to its criminal legislation and announced that anyone who performs FGM either inside a medical establishment or elsewhere faces three years’ imprisonment and a fine.
FGM prevalence in Sudan is one of the highest globally. It is now time to use punitive measures to ensure girls are protected from this torturous practice,’ said Faiza Mohamed, Africa regional director for Equality Now.
‘Having a law against FGM acts as an important deterrent, however, Sudan may face challenges in enforcing legislation. People who still believe in the practice might not report cases or act to stop FGM when they know it is happening.’
