- The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on February 6th to raise global awareness about the issue of FGM.
- This day was established in 2003 and aims to amplify and direct efforts towards the elimination of FGM by 2030.
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
- FGM is the harmful practice of removing or cutting the external genitalia of females.
- It is commonly practised in several African nations, countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Indonesia, and is associated with religious and cultural beliefs.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million females have undergone FGM worldwide, with an estimated 3 million more girls at risk each year.
- FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights, health, and the integrity of girls and women.
Impact of FGM
- Girls who undergo FGM face short-term complications such as severe pain, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine.
- Additionally, it also has long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
Global Problem
- Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a universal problem that is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America.
- It persists amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Declining Prevalence
- Over the last 25 years, the prevalence of FGM has declined globally, with a girl being one-third less likely to undergo FGM than 30 years ago.
Sustaining Progress
- However, sustaining these achievements in the face of humanitarian crises like disease outbreaks, climate change, and armed conflict could cause a rollback of progress towards gender equality and elimination of FGM.
Role of Men and Boys
- There is potential in eliminating this harmful practice through sustainable partnerships with men and boys.
- Their voices and actions can transform deeply rooted social and gender norms and allow girls and women to realize their rights and potential.
UN Action
- The United Nations strives for the full eradication of FGM by 2030, following the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 5.
- UNFPA and UNICEF lead the largest global program to accelerate the elimination of FGM and have seen significant achievements over the years.
2023 Theme: “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”
- This year, UNFPA and UNICEF call on the global community to partner with men and boys and foster their engagement to eliminate this harmful practice.
- Varying initiatives have been employed by organizations worldwide to engage and partner with men and boys and for them to take an active role