Since 2012, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been recognised on 6 February.
The aim of the day is to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of FGM.
FGM comprises “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” (World Health Organization). FGM is also sometimes known as ‘cutting’ or ‘female circumcision’.
FGM has no health benefits and involves damaging healthy female genital tissue and can cause short-term and long-term physical and psychological damage. It can cause severe bleeding and problems with urinating and menstruating. It also increases risks of infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can cause complications in pregnancy and childbirth.
In 2023, 4.32 million girls around the world are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation.
Dr Jo Sauvage, Chief Medical Officer, NCL ICB said “it is incredibly concerning that so many women and girls are still at risk of this harmful practice. FGM is rooted in gender inequality and as an ICB we are prioritising closing the gender health gap and making sure that every woman’s voice is heard.”
The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation launched the 2023 theme; “Partnership with Men and Boys to transform Social and gender Norms to End FGM”.
Learn more about their #MenEndFGM online campaign and find resources to share here