The Pan African Parliament, the legislative body of the 50 member-states of the African Union, and the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) have signed a landmark action plan to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) and underage marriage in Africa. The Inter Press Service reports that thousands of African traditional leaders have already committed to eradicate FGM, and that the UNFPA continues to train hundreds of thousands of health workers in Africa to help victims of FGM. FGM is widely practiced in Africa, affecting anywhere from five to ninety-eight percent of women and girls in more than twenty-six countries.
Compiled from: Latham, Desmond, Pan African Parliament Endorses Ban on FGM, Global Issues (August 6, 2016).