CARE has expressed concern over the growing cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Somalia and Somaliland.
The global organization said this when it joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6.
In its statement, CARE said that FGM is commonly practiced in Somalia and Somaliland.
“The practice continues to affect girls and women in various parts of Somalia and Somaliland negatively,” CARE stated.
Data from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) shows that Somalia has the world’s highest rate of FGM.
As per the UNICEF data, 98 percent of girls and women aged 15-49 years in Somalia have undergone FGM.
CARE said that the practice causes bleeding, infections, and problems with urination as well as childbearing complications in girls and women.
Therefore, CARE has called various stakeholders to take appropriate actions to ensure that the practice ceases in the two neighboring nations.