International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Jan 31, 2023, 7:41

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is an international day observed on 6 February annually. Female genital mutilation involves mutilating or injuring the female genitalia without any medical reasons. This act is recognized as a violation of human rights and is banned in many parts of the world.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed to enhance awareness about the risks associated with female genital mutilation and the threat it causes to the health of women.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation - Overview

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed to raise awareness about FGM (female genital mutilation) and its consequences. On this day, people talk about how the act of female genital mutilation is inhuman and a human rights violation. This day is sponsored by the United Nations so that awareness about FGM is spread on a global level.

We have shared further details about the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation here.

Day

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Date

6 February

Established By

United Nations General Assembly

Established In

2012

Aim

To raise awareness about FGM as a human rights violation.

About FGM

Female Genital Mutilation or FGM is a practice which involves the mutilation of the female genitalia. This inhuman act of violence is observed as a practice by communities around the world. International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation raises awareness about this practice with the hope of ending it.

Many communities practice FGM on infant girls who are too young to realize the autonomy of their own bodies. The United Nations has categorised female genital mutilation as a human rights violation and abuse.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2023 Theme

The 2023 theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation aims at enhancing investment to end female genital mutilation. The theme “Accelerating Investment to End FGM” seeks to increase voluntary and financial support for helping women and girls in need.

This financial support can not only assist the health needs of women but also develop strict laws that condemn such practices. Further, the funding will also be used for working on research that can strengthen the plan for eradicating female genital mutilation.

Importance of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed to raise awareness about the prevalence of FGM in many communities. Some people in countries like Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America still practice female genital mutilation. In fact, it is also rampant in the immigrant populations of several countries.

Globally around 4.2 million girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation. Keeping this threat in mind, organizations have come forward and adopted ways that bring awareness to the impact of female genital mutilation leading to the abolishing of such practices.

History of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

The history of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation can be traced back to 2012 when this day was officially established. The United Nations General Assembly recognized the need to end the barbaric practice of FGM and raise awareness about its impact on women’s health, bodies and minds.

The practice of (FGM) is an offensive act against women and girls. International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is an effort to eradicate female genital mutilation altogether from all parts of the world.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation - Facts

Here, we have shared some facts about the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.

  • There are around 200 million women and girls worldwide who have gone through the practice of some form of FGM.
  • Female genital mutilation is commonly practised in girls from infancy to around 15 years.
  • If FGM continues, around 15 million more girls will become prey to the practice by 2030.
  • Countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation include Somalia, Guinea, and Djibouti.
  • Women and girls who have undergone any form of FGM experience the development of infections, pain, bleeding, menstruation issues, the development of cysts, complications in childbirth, and infertility.

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FAQs on International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Q1. When is the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation observed?

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed on 6 February every year. This day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness about the inhuman practice of FGM and its impacts on the female body.

Q2. What is the theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2023?

The theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2023 is “Accelerating Investment to End FGM.” The theme aims at encouraging funding to end FGM worldwide. The generated funds will support women and will help make laws that protect women and girls from such practices.

Q3. Why is the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation observed?

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed to spread awareness of the harmful effects of female genital mutilation and pressure communities to stop causing pain and harm to women and girls through female genital mutilation.

Q4. What would be the consequence if the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is not observed?

If the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is not observed, millions of girls and women worldwide will be subjected to female genital mutilation due to a lack of awareness. International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed on 6 February every year.

Q5. Who established the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation?

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) started the observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is also sponsored by the United Nations.