Genital mutilation lessens in Africa - World's Children - Brief Article

Community Action, April 15, 2002

The Inter-African Committee to Fight Excision, a body set up by the Organization of African Unity, said the practice of female genital mutilation on the continent has dropped off dramatically in the past 18 years, according to the UN Newswire. The committee says its program to fight the practice has achieved "enormous success" since its launch in 1984.

"Female circumcision was the rule in 30 African countries 18 years ago," said Morissanda Kouyate, director of the committee's operations. "Today, demographic studies have shown that in many nations it has reduced by a third." He added, "This represents an important step forward. Ten years ago, no country would have dared to introduce legislation against female circumcision. Today it is banned in some 12 countries.