International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) acknowledges the harmful and detrimental practice involving partial or total elimination of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This global observance aims to foster complete abandonment of this practice, recognizing it as a violation of human rights, particularly of girls and women. It is fundamental for individuals and societies to understand the health risks, emotional trauma, and societal damage associated with FGM, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education, supportive healthcare services, and effective legislation.

The United Nations General Assembly made the official global declaration on February 6th, 2003 to pressure countries to eliminate the practice, including the United Kingdom. This issue concerns the UK deeply due to the immigrant communities that have historically practised FGM, creating a significant challenge for child protection and women's health. The Met Police and Crown Prosecution Services take this matter seriously, actively pursuing prosecutions against practitioners of FGM. The UK government, health sector, and NGOs continually raise awareness, provide support services and play a significant role in global efforts to eradicate FGM.

In the UK, the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed through awareness campaigns, seminars, and relevant educational sessions in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities, with a specific focus on areas with high immigrant populations. Public leaders, such as MPs and local councillors, often take part, alongside human rights activists and health/business professionals. These activities promote understanding and encourage open dialogue surrounding the dangers and illegality of FGM. This observance falls on the same global date of February 6th annually, with various events and activities organised across the country to mark this vital day of remembrance and action.

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.
• Despite FGM being illegal in the UK, there have been very few prosecutions. The first successful FGM conviction happened in 2019, where a woman was found guilty of mutilating her three-year-old daughter.
• Since 2015, courts in the UK can issue FGM Protection Orders (FGMPOs) to protect girls at risk of FGM. These orders can include various conditions, such as confiscating passports to prevent a girl from being taken abroad for FGM, or requiring individuals to attend education or awareness classes on FGM.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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:
  Understanding and Addressing Violence Against Women: Female Genital Mutilation - by World Health Organization.
  The Cruel Cut: Female Genital Mutilation & the Fight to End It - by Patrick Barkham.
• Join Awareness-Raising Campaigns: Many NGOs or organizations like Forward UK and The Orchid Project, conduct campaigns, talks, and seminars disseminating information about FGM.