Over 230 million females have undergone female genital mutilation worldwide

According to UNICEF, an estimated 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The practice, which involves partial or total removal of the clitoris, labia minora, and sometimes suturing of the vaginal opening to narrow it, is most prevalent in Africa where over 144 million survivors reside. UNICEF reports that approximately 30 million people have undergone FGM in the last eight years. The procedure is typically performed on girls and women at various ages, ranging from infancy to adolescence.