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International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
In observation of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) we’d like to focus on the incredible efforts made by numerous advocates and organisations around the world that work to end FGM. Each year, around 3 million girls and women—or some 8,000 girls each day—face the risk of mutilation or cutting. An estimated 130 million to 140 million girls and women have undergone the practice, mostly in Africa and some countries in Asia and the Middle East. But thanks to the work of these advocates and organisations to raise awareness against FGM and strive to ultimately end the practice, certain areas of the world FGM is on the decline.
Social norms and cultural practices are changing towards the practice of FGM, specifically in Africa. A United Nations report showed that in the past five years over 2,000 communities have abandoned the practice of FGM across Africa. A joint program between UNICEF and UNFPA and the assistance of WHO, works to encourage communities to abandon the practice FGM and do so through working closely with NGOs, government officials, religious leaders, and community members in a culturally sensitive manner to address the issue of FGM.
Great strides have been made in the effort to end FGM but millions of girls and women around the world remain at risk of being subjected to FGM. With continued cultural sensitivity and advocacy to end FGM, the abandonment of the practice all-together is a realistic goal. Become part of the global campaign to end FGM, Stop FGM Now! Is an organisation that works to raise awareness about FGM and suggests ways you can become an advocate for girls and women around the world and end the practice of FGM.
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