International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was observed on February 6, 2025. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Recognized internationally as a violation of human rights, FGM has severe physical, psychological, and social consequences for girls and women. Despite being concentrated in 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a global issue, with cases reported in Asia, Latin America, and among immigrant communities in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

The 2025 Theme: Step Up the Pace

The 2025 theme, “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” emphasizes the need for coordinated, sustained, and concerted efforts to achieve the 2030 goal. This includes:

• Strengthening partnerships between governments, NGOs, and communities.
• Scaling up investments in education and healthcare.
• Addressing the root causes of FGM, such as gender inequality and social norms.

The Global Prevalence of FGM

Current Statistics and Trends

• Over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM.
• In 2024, nearly 4.4 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM, equating to more than 12,000 cases every day.
• While global prevalence has declined by one-third over the past three decades, the practice persists, particularly in regions affected by humanitarian crises, such as armed conflict, climate change, and disease outbreaks.

The Impact of Humanitarian Crises on FGM

Humanitarian crises often exacerbate gender inequalities and roll back progress made in eliminating FGM. Displacement, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare create environments where harmful practices like FGM can thrive. Without sustained efforts, the global community risks losing ground in the fight to end FGM by 2030.

The Consequences of FGM

Short-Term Complications

Girls who undergo FGM face immediate health risks, including:

• Severe pain and shock
• Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Infections (e.g., tetanus)
• Difficulty urinating and urinary retention

Long-Term Consequences

The long-term effects of FGM are devastating and far-reaching:

• Chronic pain and scarring
• Complications during childbirth, including increased risk of stillbirth and maternal mortality
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sexual dysfunction and reproductive health issues

The Path to Elimination: Strategies and Progress

The Role of Survivor-Led Initiatives

Empowering FGM survivors to lead initiatives is critical to ending the practice. Survivors bring firsthand experience and credibility to advocacy efforts, challenging harmful gender norms and driving community-level change. Investments in survivor-led programs focus on:

• Education and awareness-raising
• Economic empowerment and livelihood training
• Access to healthcare and psychological support

The UN Joint Programme on FGM

Since 2008, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF have led the largest global program to accelerate the elimination of FGM. Key achievements include:

• Over 7 million girls and women receiving prevention, protection, and care services.
• More than 50 million people publicly declaring their abandonment of FGM.
• Over 250 million individuals reached through mass media campaigns.
• Support for nearly 12,000 grassroots organizations and 112,000 community workers driving change.

The Role of Education and Advocacy

Promoting Gender Equality and Human Rights

Eliminating FGM requires a holistic approach that prioritizes gender equality, human rights, and sexual education. Key strategies include:

• Integrating FGM prevention into school curricula.
• Engaging men and boys as allies in the fight against FGM.
• Providing safe spaces for girls and women to discuss their experiences and access support.

The Power of Media and Technology

Mass media and digital platforms play a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing communities. Campaigns like #EndFGM and #Unite2EndFGM leverage social media to amplify survivor voices and inspire global action.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM

A Global Platform for Advocacy

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. This annual observance serves as a platform to:

• Highlight the progress made in eliminating FGM.
• Mobilize resources and support for survivor-led initiatives.
• Call for urgent action to protect girls at risk.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2025 – Summary