UNGA Declares February 6 as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

The United Nations General Assembly announced 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in a move to eliminate a harmful practice affecting millions of girls and women worldwide. The decision aimed to raise awareness and mobilize efforts against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice rooted in deep-seated cultural and social norms and prevalent in many parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. FGM includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, often resulting in severe health complications, psychological trauma, and violations of the rights of women and girls. The World Health Organization states that over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries where population data exist. The proclamation of Zero Tolerance Day aligns with global commitments to uphold the rights of women and girls, as embodied in international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality. Efforts to abandon FGM involve legislative measures, community education, service provision for affected individuals, and involvement of stakeholders at multiple levels, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. Success is often observed in locales where comprehensive, collaborative strategies are employed, emphasizing the empowerment and education of communities, particularly the voices of survivors and women leaders. The declaration by the UN General Assembly signifies a commitment to eliminating FGM through a concerted, global effort. It reinforces the idea that sustainable progress requires resolution from all parts of society. #EndFGM #HumanRights #GenderEquality #Health #ZeroTolerance #UN #MoofLife