International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Women
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every February 6
Holiday emoji:: 🚫

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation falls on February 6 each year, a crucial day dedicated to eradicating this harmful practice worldwide. This observance raises global awareness about the devastating impact of FGM on millions of women and girls. Join the movement by educating yourself, advocating for policy change, and supporting organizations working to end FGM.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

History of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation refers to the complete or partial removal of external female genitalia. It involves piercing and cutting off the clitoris, or sewing shut all or part of a girl’s or woman’s external genitals.

The world continues to fail its female population where approximately 200 million girls and women have undergone genital mutilation to date, a number that continues to rise.

Although historians are divided on where the practice originated, female genital mutilation was prevalent before the establishment of Islam or Christianity. Not only has it been around for a long time, but several communities around the world still practice it. Instances of female genital mutilation are common in Sub-Saharan and Arab countries.

Female genital mutilation can severely impact the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. Women subjected to genital mutilation are at risk of postpartum hemorrhage, fetal death, obstructed labor, and HIV infection.

The psychological effects of female genital mutilation are insidious and long-lasting. Residual trauma can lead to behavioral issues in children, debilitating anxiety, stress, and sexual dysfunction.

How has the practice continued for so long? One of the primary forces driving this violent practice is the fear of social stigma. Social norms that condone female genital mutilation are layered and complex across geographic locations which makes tackling the issue doubly challenging for people and agents of change globally.

In 2012, the U.N. General Assembly declared February 6, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. The day aims to generate awareness and intensify efforts to end the practice worldwide. There are strong reasons to believe female genital mutilation could end in a single generation.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation timeline

2nd Century B.C.

Early Signs

Mummies in Ancient Egypt carry tell-tale signs of genital mutilation.

Circa 500 B.C.

Records of Circumcision

Herodotus documents the practice of circumcision among Ethiopians, Hittites, and Phoenicians.

1950s

Clitoridectomy as an Accepted Treatment

The surgical removal of the clitoris is commonly used in Western Europe and the United States to treat hysteria, nymphomania, epilepsy, masturbation, and melancholia.

2012

The Declaration of the Day

The U.N. General Assembly announces February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation FAQs

When is International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation?

In 2027, International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation will be observed on Saturday, February 6. It’s a day for worldwide advocacy and action against this human rights violation.

How many girls and women are affected by FGM globally?

The United Nations estimates that if current trends continue, an additional 68 million girls could be subjected to FGM by 2030. This projection highlights the critical importance of sustained global commitment to eradicate the practice.

Which regions are most affected by FGM?

While primarily prevalent in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, FGM is also practiced in some communities in Latin America and among diaspora populations in Western countries. This global reach necessitates a comprehensive, international response.

What are the health consequences of FGM?

Beyond the immediate physical and psychological trauma, FGM can lead to a lifetime of health issues for survivors, impacting their sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It is a profound violation of human rights.

How to Observe International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Talk about it
Create awareness about the human rights challenges faced by women and girls around the world. Spread the word on various social media platforms for greater reach.
Support organizations on the frontlines
Lend a helping hand to agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals working in the field. Donate if you can or share the stories of their efforts.
Educate yourself
Look up information around the topic of generational social and cultural conditioning around women’s bodies. Only with knowledge and understanding can we engage in the constructive dialogue needed to drive change.

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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is available in at least 370 languages.

Why International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is Important

Ending violence and policing
Women continue to fight for the fundamental right to decide what happens to their bodies. Female genital mutilation violates girls’ and women’s bodies and their right to health and security. Today is an important day to amplify their voices.
Ensuring physical and mental well-being
We have a generation of girls living the experience of having suffered unspeakable emotional and physical abuse. Using the day to acknowledge their suffering is the least we can do to take part.
Breaking intergenerational trauma
Zero tolerance to female genital mutilation seeks to interrupt the perpetual pain and damage experienced as a result of the practice. The U.N. believes that a concerted international effort can break these cycles in a single lifetime.