How pressing a matter is FGM in Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular?
The issue is a burning one. When we started this work, 80% of the women in Ethiopia used to be circumcised but now the number has dropped to 56%. This means the practice is still widely practiced. In Djibouti, South Sudan, Somalia, and Egypt the practice is widely practiced and has more severe consequences. According to UNICEF statistics, in Africa 120-140 million women suffer from the many consequences of FGM and up to 2 million girls are circumcised annually. These are shocking statistics! Before, we all used to accept it as part of our tradition. But now, it is losing acceptance and we are working hand-in-hand to make sure that it discontinues to be a norm in the society. Which country is the highest FGM practicing nation in Africa? The problem is found all over Africa; however, more than 95% of women in Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia suffer from the third (most severe/dangerous form) of FGM. Even in our country, this is practiced in Harrar and Afar regions. This does not mean that it
