International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation aims to raise awareness about the risks and repercussions of this harmful practice. Recognised worldwide, the day focuses on advocating for the rights, dignity, and physical integrity of girls and women who are at risk or survivors of this discrimination-based violence. It also furthers the push for stronger legislation, law enforcement, and provision of support services to help eventual eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM).

The United Nations established the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in 2003, following a campaign led by Stella Obasanjo, the First Lady of Nigeria. In Australia, the importance of this day cannot be understated as the country is home to a diverse population, including migrants and refugees from countries where FGM is prevalent. The Australian government is committed to upholding human rights, thus recognises the need for zero tolerance towards FGM. Dedicated work from both government and NGOs is ongoing to aid affected individuals through education and support services.

Observance of this day in Australia includes throwing light on government efforts to combat FGM through legal and policy measures. The cultural and education sectors also play a pivotal role in busting myths about FGM and promote dialogue on the subject. Furthermore, numerous events take place across the country to foster awareness about the harmful effects of FGM, encouraging communities to stand together for its abolition. International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is annually observed on the 6th of February.

Facts about this United Nations observance

• The theme for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in 2024 was No Time for Global Inaction: Unite, Fund, and Act to end FGM. The theme in 2023 was Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation.
• According to the UNICEF In 2024, more than 4.4 million women are at risk of female genital mutilation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million women and girls worldwide are living with the effects of FGM.
  The practice is concentrated in about 30 countries across Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Asia, but also occurs in other regions due to migration.
• According to the U.N, girls who undergo female genital mutilation can face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, and infection. They may also face long-term complications regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
• Some reports estimate that around 53,000 women and girls in Australia were born in countries where FGM is practiced, and around 9,000 are under the age of 15.
• GM is not specific to any particular religion, but it is often performed in some African, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities living in Australia. Most of these communities come from countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, where FGM is highly prevalent.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Traditional values and practices can be harmful especially if those practices carry unnecessary risk. It is believed that older generations are more likely to carry on such traditions despite scientific evidence against them. According to the U.N, adolescent girls aged 15-19 are less supportive of female genital mutilation than women aged 45-49. The U.N recommends investing in youth-led movements to help achieve gender equality and to eliminate violence against women and girls. Learn how you can become involved in their latest campaign Generation Equality.
• Learn more about the health risks of female genital mutilation and how you can help prevent the practice of it.
• Read a book to learn more about FGM:
  Cutting Traditions: An Anthropologist and her Friends Face FGM - by Rhonda Ellis
  Undoing FGM. Pierre Foldes, the Surgeon Who Restores the Clitoris - by Hubert Prolongeau
• Join events hosted by Non-Government Organizations: Many NGOs such as the United Nations Association of Australia, Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety and International Women’s Development Agency hold forums, discussions, and events to raise awareness on FGM.