Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Uganda takes big step in women's rights



a community in eastern Uganda has finally banned the practice of female genital mutilation. a community leader has spoken out and said it was "outmoded" and "not useful" for the women. The Sabiny are the only group in Uganda who still practice FGM, which is the practice of cutting off a young girl's clitoris. there was a local belief that said women who married uncircumcised, would be stricken by illness. in Africa, about three million girls are at risk of FGM each year, according to the UN.
they say it leads to bleeding, shock, infections and a higher rate of death for new-born babies.

this is a big milestone for women's rights in Africa. about time they got rid of this horrific practice.

-cristina

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