Thirty-two communities in Imo State have reached a consensus to stop the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in their respective areas. “FMG is practised in many Nigerian communities due to a myriad of socio-cultural beliefs that vary across communities with regional and ethnic variations in prevalence. And in Imo State, there are 9 councils areas where this practise is prevalent,” Ekeocha said. It is estimated that over 200 million girls and women worldwide are living with effects of FGM. In Nigeria, 86% of women age 15 to 49 that have undergone FGM were cut before 5 years.”

Source: The Guardian August 19, 2020 15:11 UTC