FGM/C in Asia and the Role of Media – A Workshop and Discussion Event with Journalists
FGM/C is a human rights violation that can cause life-long physical, psychological, generational, and emotional trauma and, in some cases, death. It’s rooted in gender inequality, and it jeopardises the health, well-being, and life opportunities of survivors. According to UNICEF, at least 200 million girls and women alive today and living in 31 countries have undergone FGM/C. FGM/C affects non-binary and gender-diverse individuals as well. Entire communities from all different backgrounds, race and religion feel the impact of FGM/C, and it can stifle the development course of countries.
Ending FGM/C globally has been included as a specific target within Goal 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Goal 5.3 mentions “eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilations”. None of the targets under the 17 SDGs are projected to be achieved anywhere in the world. This puts girls, women, and other vulnerable communities, especially, at risk of experiencing harmful practices like FGM/C.
Join us for our upcoming webinar that will act as a sharing platform where media persons can access foundational information about FGM/C in Asia and discuss challenges that hinder their work.
This virtual launch event will take place on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023, from 9:30 AM- 12 PM IST
The event will emphasize the crucial role the media can play in strengthening end-FGM/C movements in Asia. The resources will highlight countries that practice FGM/C and that the issue in Asia is multipronged. We will also present to the attendees examples of both good and harmful media coverage and discuss steps to do more of the former.
You can register to join us online via Zoom.
UPDATE: In 2024, new statistics were released by UNICEF showing 230 million women and girls around the world are affected by FGM, a 15% increase or 30 million more girls and women being subjected to FGM, compared to the data released eight years ago. This figure now includes data on FGM prevalence in Asia (80 million), the Middle East (6 million), and countries which have small practicing communities and are destination countries for migration (1-2 million).