The United Nations describes breast ironing as one of the five most under-reported crimes relating to gender-based violence in the world.

The United Nations estimates 3.8 million teenagers worldwide have been affected by the practice. The harmful traditional practice sees young pubescent girls’ breasts ironed, massaged, flattened and pounded down over a period of time – sometimes years – in order for the breasts to disappear or delay their development entirely. It commonly involves using heated objects – often stones, spatulas, pestles, hammers, electric irons, brooms and belts to tie or bind the breasts flat. The practice is usually carried out by mothers, shamans and healers and is driven by the conviction that a flat, child-like chest will deter unsolicited male attention, rape and pre-martial pregnancy.  United Nations, African Health Organization. Photograph: Joe Penney/Reuters