Unite for Change: Join The Fight to End Female Genital Mutilation

Every year, on February 6th, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day stands as a reminder of the global need to eliminate a harmful practice that continues to affect the lives of millions of women and girls worldwide. Despite significant progress, female genital mutilation remains a violation of human rights, and the fight to end this practice by 2030 is more critical than ever.

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation involves procedures that alter or injure the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, often carried out as a cultural or traditional practice. It is recognized globally as a violation of the health, rights, and integrity of women and girls. The consequences of FGM are severe and long-lasting, affecting not only physical health but also psychological well-being.

Girls who undergo FGM often experience acute complications such as excessive bleeding, infections, severe pain, shock, and even difficulties passing urine. In the long term, these effects can lead to chronic reproductive health problems, increased risk of childbirth complications, and long-lasting psychological trauma.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025 Theme - Step Up the Pace

This year’s theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is "Step up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM." This theme calls on all individuals and organizations to accelerate their efforts in eradicating FGM. It emphasizes the importance of building alliances, particularly those led by survivors of FGM, who are at the forefront of challenging harmful gender and social norms. Survivor-led initiatives are powerful tools for change, as these women and girls share personal stories that humanize the issue and inspire collective action.

Empowering Survivors and Creating Safe Spaces for Change

The role of survivors in this fight cannot be overstated. Empowering women and girls who have experienced FGM to lead the charge in advocacy is critical to dismantling the deeply rooted social norms that perpetuate the practice. By providing these survivors with access to education, healthcare, and a platform to share their voices, we are creating an environment where change is possible. These voices are a powerful catalyst for a global movement to end FGM and allow girls and women to realize their rights in terms of health, education, income, and equality.

However, for true change to take place, systematic and coordinated efforts are essential. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities must work together to create environments where gender equality, human rights, and sexual education are prioritized. It is only through such collective actions that we can hope to end FGM.

Let’s Act Together To Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation

The road to eliminating FGM is challenging, but it is not impossible. Every survivor’s voice serves as a reminder of the need for urgent action. Their journeys toward healing and empowerment can fuel a global movement that ensures no girl or woman ever has to experience FGM again.

The time to act is now. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, let us renew our commitment to building a world where every girl and woman can live free from violence, discrimination, and harmful practices. Together, we can ‘Step up the Pace’ and achieve a future where FGM is a thing of the past!