International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (6 February): Ending Harm, Upholding Dignity, Protecting Girls

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a serious human rights violation that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed every year on 6 February, mobilizes global action to eliminate this harmful practice and protect the bodily autonomy, health, and dignity of girls.

FGM is not a religious requirement—it is a deeply rooted social norm sustained by inequality, misinformation, and pressure. This international day sends a clear message: tradition can never justify harm, and the rights of girls must always come first.

Why the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM Is Observed

The observance was initiated under the leadership of the to accelerate the elimination of FGM through awareness, policy action, and community‑led change. It aligns with global commitments to gender equality, child protection, and human rights.

This day emphasizes that ending FGM is achievable when governments, communities, healthcare systems, educators, and families work together to protect girls from irreversible harm.

What Is Female Genital Mutilation? An A–Z Understanding

Female Genital Mutilation refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non‑medical reasons. From A for Awareness to Z for Zero Tolerance, understanding FGM is essential to ending it.

Key facts include:

FGM has no health benefits
It is often performed on girls between infancy and adolescence
It causes lifelong physical and psychological harm

The classifies FGM into several types, all of which violate human rights and medical ethics.

Health Consequences: Short‑ and Long‑Term Harm

FGM can lead to severe and lifelong health consequences. Immediate risks include bleeding, infection, and shock, while long‑term effects impact physical, mental, and reproductive health.

Health impacts include:

Chronic pain and infections
Complications during childbirth
Trauma, anxiety, and depression

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM highlights that preventing FGM is a critical public health priority, not only a cultural issue.

FGM as a Human Rights and Gender Equality Issue

FGM violates multiple human rights, including the right to health, security, education, and freedom from torture and discrimination. It is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality.

This international day reinforces that:

Girls have the right to bodily autonomy
Harmful practices must be challenged, not preserved
Gender equality cannot exist while FGM continues

Ending FGM is essential to achieving a just and inclusive society.

Community‑Led Change: The Most Powerful Solution

Evidence shows that FGM declines fastest when communities themselves lead change. Education, dialogue, and the involvement of elders, parents, men, and youth are crucial.

Successful approaches include:

Girls’ education and empowerment
Engaging religious and traditional leaders
Public declarations abandoning FGM

The plays a key role in supporting community‑based programs that protect girls and promote alternatives.

FGM, Migration, and Global Responsibility

FGM is a global issue, not confined to one region. With migration, girls in diaspora communities may also be at risk, making international cooperation and legal protection essential.

World Zero Tolerance Day stresses:

Strong laws and enforcement
Protection services for at‑risk girls
Cross‑border collaboration

Ending FGM requires global vigilance and shared responsibility.

What Individuals and Societies Can Do

Everyone has a role in ending FGM—through education, advocacy, and challenging harmful norms. Awareness saves lives when it leads to action.

Individual actions include:

Sharing accurate information
Supporting organizations working to end FGM
Standing up for girls’ rights in all communities

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM empowers people everywhere to speak out against silence and stigma.

Conclusion: Zero Tolerance Means Zero Compromise

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (6 February) affirms that the world will no longer accept harm disguised as tradition. Protecting girls from FGM is a shared moral obligation—one that upholds health, equality, and human dignity. A future free from FGM is not only possible; it is necessary.