The UN estimates that more than 200 million women and girls around the world have undergone female genital mutilation.
Today has been designated UN Zero Tolerance Day on FGM, and on today's podcast reporter Sally Hayden describes her recent visit to the Karamoja region of Uganda in east Africa. In parts of Karamoja, FGM is as high as 95%.
She details the horrific cycle of violence against women caused by FGM and why claims of its status as a cultural practice make it difficult to eradicate.
But first: Brexit. The clock has begun ticking again as the EU27 awaits details on what the UK wants the final arrangement to look like, and particularly when it comes to customs. But with rebellious MPs making conflicting demands, Prime Minister Theresa May faces a major challenge to keep her party on side. London Editor Denis Staunton reports.
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