UNICEF applauds Egypt for leading the battle against female circumcision

Egypt has been one of the leading nations in the attempt to eliminate female circumcision, prompting UNICEF to praise the efforts of government and religious leaders in the country, Herald Tribune reported on Thursday.

During the summer two Egyptian girls died from an operation known as female genital mutilation, which is practiced by both Muslims and Christians in the country.

“Female genital mutilation usually involves the removal of the clitoris and other parts of female genitalia. Those who practice it say it tames a girl's sexual desire and maintains her honor” the Herald Tribune reports.

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said that since 2002 the National Council on Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) has been working at “both national and sub-national levels, and has succeeded in building partnerships with the different governmental, non-governmental, donor and U.N. stakeholders to advocate against the practice”.

“NCCM's efforts have led several Egyptian villages to denounce female circumcision, part of the positive trend in the country, said UNICEF.

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