What international efforts exist to stop FGC?
Within the past decade, the silence that has surrounded FGC has faded. FGC has become one of the most talked-about subjects among women’s groups, especially in Africa. 1 International and professional organizations as well as many governments have recognized that FGC is a violation of the human rights of women and girls. Many communities, governments and organizations recognize that gender discrimination underlies the practice of FGC and that the most effective strategies for dealing with FGC involve helping women and girls to become educated and empowered within their own communities and cultures. In addition, these groups recognize that the support of men, community leaders and other cultures is vital to stopping the practice.1 Advocacy by women’s groups has placed FGC on the agenda of governments and has contributed to the formation of FGC programs, laws and policies worldwide. The influx of immigrants and refugees from countries where FGC is prevalent has led global governments and
