The Sudanese government has criminalized female genital mutilation (FGM). Violators of the new law now face a three-year prison sentence.
According to the United Nations, nearly nine in ten Sudanese women between the ages of 14 and 49 are genetically mutilated. In the African country, it is common to remove the inner and outer labia and usually also the clitoris of women.
FGM can cause all kinds of physical, psychological and sexual problems. During and immediately after the procedure, the women often suffer extreme pain if the procedure takes place without anesthesia.
Girls are circumcised from a cultural belief and many Sudanese see it as an essential step that must be taken before a woman can get married.
Women’s organizations say the new law will help Sudanese women put an end to FGM, but it will be difficult to change the opinion of the traditional community.
Worldwide call to ban female circumcision
In recent years there have been several attempts to ban FGM in Sudan, but parliament led by former leader Omar Al Bashir has always stopped them. However, after months of protests, the dictator’s 30-year reign ended in April last year.
Worldwide, the call to ban the practice is also increasing. However, a UNICEF study conducted in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East shows that female circumcision is still widespread, despite 24 of these countries having FGM regulations.
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