South Africa, Nov. 24 -- Nyasulu, the regional advisor on gender and human rights at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for East and Southern Africa, was speaking while briefing journalists at the One&Only in Cape Town recently.

Millions of girls at risk

FGM remains one of East and Southern Africa's most persistent human-rights challenges, with millions of girls still at risk.

Reports suggest that FGM does occur in some South African communities, including among members of the Venda, Southern Ndebele, and Sotho populations, as well as immigrant and refugee groups.

"South Africa might not be ground zero for FGM, but our voices matter," Nyasulu said.

She urged the country's media and civil society to help raise awareness for FG...