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Fighting FGM

Elizabeth ShooFebruary 6, 2013

Over 130 million women worldwide have become victims of genital mutilation. Although many countries have strict laws that prohibit FGM, it's still difficult to put an end to this gruesome practice.

https://p.dw.com/p/17YOR
Former circumciser Mariam Coulibaly displays the tools of her trade, a knife handed down to her by her mother and herbs to heal the wounds, at her home in Salemata, southeastern Senegal, Friday Jan. 31, 2003. Coulibaly says that she performed circumcisions on more than 1,000 girls during her 30-year career, but gave up the practice after surrounding villages decided the practice to be dangerous. The piece of red cloth is part of one of the bright red robes she used to wear while performing the rites. (AP Photo/Alexandra Zavis)
Image: AP

Between 130 and 150 million women worldwide have undergone genital mutilation. The practice is most common in Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East, and among migrants from these areas. Cultural, religious and social factors cause families and communities hold on to this brutal procedure.

DW takes a closer look at the effects FGM has on its victims and at the ongoing efforts to stop it.

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Reports & Analysis

A worker with some of the tools used for FGM in Africa. (Photo: Ursula Düren/dpa)

Female genital mutilation

Up to 150 million women, mostly Africans, around the world are victims of genital mutilation.
February 6, 2013
Former circumciser Mariam Coulibaly displays the tools of her trade, a knife handed down to her by her mother and herbs to heal the wounds (c) AP Photo/Alexandra Zavis

FGM increasing

Female genital mutilation in Egypt is on the rise - despite being legally banned.
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A circumciser displays the tools of her trade, a knife and herbs to heal the wounds (AP Photo/Alexandra Zavis)

World marks FGM fight

Female genital mutilation ends in Togo with support from a German aid group
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London is raising awareness of female genital mutilation by including it in school curriculum.
November 23, 2011
A women cowering in front of a wall

Mali's women

About 90 percent of Mali's women are circumcised - a tradition that is even supported by many women.
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A best-selling book by former top model Waris Dirie has been adapted for the big screen.
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