The diversity of Kurdish women’s perspectives of female genital mutilation
6.2.2015. By Nazar Shabila. The 6th February is marked by the United Nations sponsored awareness day, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. To commemorate this day, Nazar Shabila reveals women’s perspectives in Iraq.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is widely practiced in Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) with a prevalence of around 40%. The prevalence, in fact, varies by geographical locations ranging from 4% in Duhok governorate to 58% in Erbil governorate and 70% in some specific rural areas of Sulaymania governorate. (more…)
Saudi Fatwa: A practice that leads to women losing their sexual desire is bad
6.3.2015. On the Saudi Arabian TV show “Yastaftunak” (asking you for a Fatwa) Abdulrahim called Dr. Al Sheikh Abdul Aziz Fawzan for a Fatwa on FGM. Fawzan is a Saudi Professor of Islamic Law at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University and a member of the Teacher’s Board at al-Imam University. (more…)
VOA: UN, Malaysia Groups Seek to Repeal Fatwa Requiring FGM
March 02, 2015. By Gabrielle Paluch
In 2009, Malaysia’s National Fatwa Committee, the nation’s top Islamic council, required all Muslim women in the country to undergo female genital mutilation, otherwise known as female circumcision.
A recent study indicated that nearly all Muslim women in the country have had the procedure. But now the United Nations is working with the Committee to repeal ruling that made it mandatory. (more…)