Sudan has entered a “new era” for women’s rights, say campaigners, after criminalizing female genital mutilation (FGM), sending anyone who performs the procedure to three years in jail.
The procedure involves the removing the female genitalia – partially or entirely – which can result in a vast amount of health issues.
“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,” says Faiza Mohamed, Africa regional director for Equality Now.
According to data from the United Nations, almost nine out of ten females in the African nation have undergone FGM. Campaigners against FGM say the new law is a promising sign of the new government’s commitment towards equality and democracy.
