Six-year-old Hibo Wardere was told, “You are brave, you are courageous, tomorrow you are going to be a woman,” then she was led to a makeshift hut in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and a local ‘cutter’ used a razor to remove her genitalia.
Hibo is one of 200 million women and girls in 30 countries across the world that have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). But in Somalia, where an astounding 98% of girls are cut, the Minister for Women is developing a ban right now. Local experts say that a global wave of support for nationwide zero tolerance could help win an outright ban on this cruel practice in weeks!
Puntland, in northeast Somalia, just proposed a full ban, and there is precedent of the central government adopting their progressive legislation. If enough of us praise these bold leaders for taking a stand for girls now, we can bolster their initiatives, and help push through a law in this next Parliament. Join the call now and tell everyone:
New statistical report on female genital mutilation shows harmful practice is a global concern (UNICEF)
http://www.unicef.org/media/
Female Genital Mutilation More Widespread Than Previously Thought (TIME)
http://time.com/4207731/200-
Somali minister hints at move to ban FGM (The Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/
7 facts you need to know about female genital mutilation (Mashable)
http://mashable.com/2015/08/
Click here for the ONLINE PETITION.
