Raising Awareness On Female Genital Mutilation: Why Is February 6 Significant?

Every year, February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. It is an initiative started by the United Nations General Assembly to spread awareness and aid among women to eliminate FGM, the removal of some or all of the vulva for non-medical reasons. To curb this practice that remains a critical concern worldwide, the United Nations bodies aim to eliminate female genital mutilation by the year 2030. The theme of its 2025 campaign is 'Step Up The Pace', focusing on strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM.

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly recognised February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation to eliminate female genital mutilation across countries. According to UN data, the practice is spread across 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East along with Asia and Latin America, among some immigrants from Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

What is female genital mutilation?

Female genital mutilation is a practice by which female genitals can be altered or injured through various procedures for non-medical purposes. This practice is considered a violation of human rights and the health of women.

Women who experience such procedures may be affected by short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, and infections, among others while long-term complications may affect their sexual, reproductive and mental health.

Why is February 6 significant

According to UNFPA, more than two million women are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation by 2030. United Nations, through its campaign Accelerating Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation aims at gathering support and aid by providing adequate health care to those who have been affected by the practice.

It condemns the reckless procedures that violate the integrity of females around the world by spreading awareness among them. UN aims to develop effective measures and laws to eliminate female genital mutilation by 2030. The organisation focuses on advocating human rights, gender equality and sex education in order to support the elimination.

UNFPA and UNICEF have together formed a programme towards the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation which has called for the global community to reflect upon the crisis and help women and girls to have a life with voice and choice. The joint programme started in 2008 and has been focussing on 17 African and Middle East countries.