Female genital mutilation- FGM becomes criminal offence in Sudan

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has officially become a criminal offence in Sudan, the BBC reports.

Under the amendment, anyone who performs FGM either inside a medical establishment or elsewhere faces three years' imprisonment and a fine.

According to a UN report, 87 per cent of Sudanese women aged between 14 and 49 have undergone some form of FGM - a common practice where the inner and outer labia, and usually, the clitoris, of women are removed.

Sudan's transitional government approved an amendment to its criminal legislation last week, Aljazeera reported.

Although the move comes as good news to Sudanese women, Women's rights groups who believe it will lead to an end of FGM have also warned that it would be difficult to change minds in communities that view the traditional practice as necessary to marry their daughters.

"FGM prevalence in Sudan is one of the highest globally. It is now time to use punitive measures to ensure girls are protected from this torturous practice," Faiza Mohamed, Africa regional director for Equality Now, was quoted as saying by Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Having a law against FGM acts as an important deterrent, however, Sudan may face challenges in enforcing legislation. People who still believe in the practice might not report cases or act to stop FGM when they know it is happening." [Aljazeera]

WHY FGM?

Girls get cut because of a widespread cultural belief that it is essential for girls' reputations and future marriage prospects.

EFFECTS OF FGM

FGM can result in urinary tract infections, uterine infections, kidney infections, cysts, reproductive issues and pain during sex.

Long-time leader Omar al-Bashir had blocked every attempt to stop FGM in Sudan but after he was ousted in 2019, the new government has made amends, adding other changes to the way women are treated.

In November Sudan repealed a restrictive public order law that controlled how women acted and dressed in public.

The FGM amendment to the criminal law was approved on 22 April, Reuters news agency reports.