International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2017 observed

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: 6 February

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was observed across the world on 6 February 2017.

The theme for the 2017 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is “Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa and the world to accelerate ending FGM by 2030.”

The female genital mutilation reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes. The practice also violates women’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in death.

Key facts related to female genital mutilation

• It is estimated that around 200 million girls and women alive today all over the world have undergone some form of FGM.

• Somalia, with 98 per cent, stands at top where girls and women aged 15 to 49 are forced through FGM. Guinea, with 97 per cent, and Djibouti, with 93 per cent, ranks second and third respectively.

• It causes severe bleeding and health issues including cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths.

• The Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 calls for an end to FGM by 2030 under Goal 5 on Gender Equality.

Background

• Stella Obasanjo, the First Lady of Nigeria and spokesperson for the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation, on 6 February 2003 made the official declaration on "Zero Tolerance to FGM" in Africa during a conference, which was organized by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children.

• Later, the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights adopted 6 February as an international awareness day.