Sudan has criminalized female genital mutilation (FGM) in a landmark move forward for women's rights in the country, BBC News has reported.
Now, anyone who carries out the abhorrent practice will be subject to up to three years imprisonment and a fine. The April 22 amendment to the current legislation has been hailed as a "new era" for women's rights in Sudan.
The video below discusses the horror of FGM:In Sudan, it is currently common for women to have their inner and outer labia removed. The UN reports that 87% of women and girls in the country have endured some form of FGM.
FGM can cause a host of problems including urinary tract infections, uterine infections, kidney infections, cysts, reproductive problems, and painful intercourse.
According to women's rights groups, this new punishment should curb the prevalence of FGM in Sudan. However, they noted that there will still be challenges ahead before it is totally eradicated.
As it stands, in Sudan, FGM is deemed a necessary practice before a woman can get married, which means that even with the new law, people may continue to carry it out.
And while the new policy marks a step in the right direction for women's rights in the country, generally speaking, there are minimal female rights in Sudan. Child marriage and marital rape, for example, are not classed as crimes.
The Africa regional director for Equality Now, Faiza Mohamed, said: "FGM prevalence in Sudan is one of the highest globally. It is now time to use punitive measures to ensure girls are protected from this torturous practice.
"Having a law against FGM acts as an important deterrent, however, Sudan may face challenges in enforcing legislation. People who still believe in the practice might not report cases or act to stop FGM when they know it is happening."
