Fight against FGM
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It is is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. In addition, every year an estimated 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, the majority of whom are cut before they turn 15 years old.
FGM has no health benefits. It can lead to immediate health risks, as well as long-term complications to women’s physical, mental and sexual health and well-being.
The practice is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights of girls and women and as an extreme form of gender discrimination, reflecting deep-rooted inequality between the sexes. As it is practiced on young girls without consent, it is a violation of the rights of children. FGM also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on 6 February to spread awareness and educate people about the consequences and problems that females face due to genital mutilation. The theme for 2023 was “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”.
While as in 2024 the theme is Her Voice.
Every survivor’s voice is a call to action, and every choice they make in reclaiming their lives contributes to the global movement to end this harmful practice. Join everyone on 6 February 2024 in the call to action against Female Genital Mutilation.