Burkina Faso youth join fight to end female genital mutilation

Burkina Faso youth join fight to end female genital mutilation

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Youngsters in Burkina Faso are joining the state in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) as population displacement caused by jihadist violence threatens significant progress made over the last decade. Cases of FGM have been recorded in areas to where people affected by the violence have fled.

Since 2015, almost 20,000 people have died in the unrest and more than two million been displaced in the Sahel nation of 23 million inhabitants, the majority of whom are women

What is Female genital mutilation (FGM)?

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

Burkina Faso

It is a landlocked country in West Africa, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and struggles with poverty and political instability.

Bordering countries

• Mali to the northwest
• Niger to the northeast
• Benin to the southeast
• Togo and Ghana to the south
• Ivory Coast to the southwest