International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was observed on February 6, 2025. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is recognized worldwide as a violation of human rights and has serious physical, psychological, and social consequences for girls and women. While FGM is primarily found in 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East, it 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.
