Belgium: Female genital mutilation

The total number of circumcised women in Belgium is estimated at 2,745.  The total number of young women under 14 that run a great risk of genital mutilation is 534.  In Antwerp the number is 409 women and 90 young girls.  The data is from Ghent researcher Els Leye and was published as part of a day against female genital mutilation.

Most circumcised women come from Ghana (343), Congo (331) and Guinea (240).  The numbers are almost certainly underestimated because they do not include asylum seekers and illegal immigrants

At least 2 million women are circumcised yearly around the world, mostly in Africa.  Female circumcision occurs more and more in Belgium, in kitchens and back rooms.  Female circumcision is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.  No legal process was started on that count till today.

Source: HLN (Dutch)

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