Globally, an estimated 100 to 140 million women and girls from nearly 30 countries have undergone genital mutilation, with the highest rates concentrated in Africa and the Middle East. They are about 20 million in Nigeria alone, or 27 percent of the female population. Last Friday outgoing Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill officially banning the practice. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 also will prevent men from leaving their families without providing financial support. The new law alone won’t be enough to change entrenched traditions, but it is definitely an important in the right direction.
Nigeria bans female genital mutilation
More of Today's Solutions
Yale will offer free tuition to families earning under $200,000 starting in 2026
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The prestigious Yale University is opening its doors even wider. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, families earning ...
Read More5 smart ways to prep your garden now for a stunning spring bloom
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Spring might feel like a distant dream, but a few mild winter days offer the perfect window to ...
Read MoreForget plastic: Here are some greener ways to freeze food
While Ziploc bags and plastic wrap can be useful for sealing up food that’s going into the freezer, there are better alternatives—ones that are ...
Read MoreIntroducing “True American”— a mini-series
Last month on Independence Day, The New Yorker published an issue featuring cover art by graphic illustrator Christ Ware. The narrative piece, called “House ...
Read More
