Breast ironing, also called breast flattening, is a deeply harmful practice affecting millions of adolescent girls, primarily in West and Central Africa. According to research by the Feinstein International Center , it involves pressing, pounding, or applying heat to developing breasts to delay growth, often carried out by mothers or female relatives who believe they are protecting their daughters. Cultural fears surrounding puberty, early sexual attention, and child marriage drive this practice, while some families see it as a way to help girls stay in school longer. Despite these intentions, breast ironing has severe consequences, causing lasting physical damage, chronic pain, emotional trauma, and negative impacts on girls’ health, education, and overall well-being. Breast ironin

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