Peer-reviewed article
COVID-19 hindering progress against female genital mutilation
The Lancet Public Health ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This article discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) as a violation of girls' and women's health and human rights. It notes that over 200 million women and girls have experienced FGM, with approximately 3 million girls at risk annually. The piece frames FGM as an extreme form of violence and gender discrimination, and suggests that COVID-19 has negatively impacted progress in efforts to eliminate the practice.
Key points
- More than 200 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM globally
- Approximately 3 million girls are at risk of FGM each year
- FGM is characterized as an extreme form of violence and discrimination against girls and women
- FGM reflects deep-rooted gender inequality
- COVID-19 has hindered progress against FGM
Limitations
The document provides global statistics and framing but does not specify which countries are affected, nor does it provide detail on the mechanisms by which COVID-19 has hindered progress. No evidence of specific interventions or their effectiveness is presented.
Abstract
Feb 6 marked the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)—a violation of girls' and women's health and human rights. It is estimated that more than 200 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM; in addition, each year, an estimated 3 million girls are at risk. FGM is an extreme form of violence and discrimination against girls and women, reflecting deep-rooted gender inequality.