It is estimated that about 200 million women, girls and babies have been subjected to female genital mutilation worldwide. FGM is primarily practised in 28 African countries and also throughout the world. FGM is a serious violation of human rights and its eradication would strengthen the position of women and their rights!
Studies show that the FGM rate decreases proportionally with the level of education. Women who were able to enjoy secondary education are more likely to oppose FGM than women who couldn’t visit school.
The ten countries with the highest illiteracy rate worldwide are also the ones which practice FGM! In Somalia alone 75% of women can’t read or write.
Education is essential for the empowerment and self-determination of women. It enables young girls and women to realise their individual rights and to lead a self-determined life. Therefore it is of high importance to enable girls and women worldwide to attend school in order to become a self-determined human being within their communities.
Education is crucial in the fight against FGM! Therefore the Desert Flower Foundation is going to set its focus on the topic of education in the future.
