Sudan has criminalised female genital mutilation (FGM), making it punishable by three years in jail, a move campaigners said ushered in a 'new era' for women's rights in the African nation. Almost nine out of 10 women and girls in predominately Muslim Sudan have undergone FGM, United Nations data show. The procedure usually involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia and can cause a host of health problems. 'Having a law against FGM acts as an important deterrent, however, Sudan may face challenges in enforcing legislation. Communities may look for ways to avoid detection, while officials who believe in the practice may not uphold the law, warned Mohamed.

Source: Daily Mail May 01, 2020 13:23 UTC