Media Campaign to End Female Genital Mutilation Launched in Kenya

A global media campaign to end female genital mutilation (FGM) has been launched in Kenya by the UN Secretary-General.

Ban Ki-moon, who spoke in the country's capital, Nairobi, said the campaign recognizes the critical role of media to help end FGM within one generation.

The World Health Organisation describes the procedure of FGM as intentionally causing injury to the female genital organs.

It adds it has no health benefits and is a violation of human rights affecting more than 125 million girls worldwide.

British newspaper The Guardian will help lead the anti-FGM campaign, which it has already started in the UK, the US, and in The Gambia.

The UN chief said he looks forward to engaging with media outlets across Africa and beyond on how to report on the issue and draw attention to its devastating impacts.

He announced the FGM Reporting Award, which will be granted annually to an African reporter who demonstrates innovation and commitment in covering the issue.

The competition winner will be given the opportunity to spend two months training and working in The Guardian's head offices in London.

(Source: unmultimedia.org)