PRB Webcasts

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) refers to the practice of full or partial removal of female external genitalia for nonmedical reasons. The procedure is practiced in at least 28 countries in Africa, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and among some communities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. FGM/C is practiced for a variety of reasons ranging from reducing female sexuality, perceived health and hygiene benefits, social reasons, and a mistaken belief in religious mandate. Since the early 1990s, FGM/C has gained recognition as a health and human rights issue. For over two decades, Berhane Ras-Work has been active in the fight against FGM/C. She is the founding president of the Inter-African Committee (IAC), a nongovernmental organization that promotes the health of women and children in Africa by fighting traditional practices that are harmful to the health of women. Ras-Work talked with PRB about the risks of FGM/C, the significance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM, and the