More than 95,000 women in Italy are victims of female genital mutilation (FGM), activists trying to rid the world of the scourge said on the world day against it Friday.
This growing phenomenon in Europe, closely linked to the presence of young migrants from high-risk regions, poses a challenge for health, social, and child protection services, said the network of associations comprising AMSI (Association of Foreign Doctors in Italy), UMEM (Euro-Mediterranean Medical Union), CO-MAI (Arab World Community in Italy), and the International Movement United to Unite, on the occasion of the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation.
The groups said they are now drawing further attention to the issue by proposing the establishment of an International Anti-FGM Observatory.
The Observatory will be tasked with monitoring the phenomenon, collecting updated and comparable data, analyzing the clinical and psychological consequences, and coordinating prevention, education, and information programs.
"Our data shows that the phenomenon is not only unstoppable, but continues to affect girls and young women even in countries that consider themselves advanced in terms of rights," explained Foad Aodi, a physiatrist, member of the Fnomceo Register of Experts, and professor at the University of Tor Vergata.
