In a Victory for Women in Sudan, Female Genital Mutilation Is Outlawed
Sudan’s new government put a new law into effect that places criminal charges on anyone involved in female genital mutilation. This practice, which is widespread in Sudan and other parts of Africa and Asia, is highly invasive and often leads to severe health problems. Women’s rights groups and others around the world tentatively celebrate the new law, as it is a step in the right direction. Yet others express concern that this important step does not guarantee that society will accept the law and stop the practice that is engrained in cultural and religious practices. Nevertheless, both the government and the minister for religious affairs support the goal of eliminating female circumcision by the year 2030. This new law is the first step toward achieving the elimination of female genital mutilation in Sudan.
Compiled from: Walsh, Declan, In a Victory for Women in Sudan, Female Genital Mutilation Is Outlawed, The New York Times (April 30, 2020)
For More Information
Please see the female genital mutilation section of this website.
In This Section