International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was marked on February 6, 2025. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful cultural practice that involves the partial or complete removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is recognized worldwide as a violation of human rights and can lead to serious physical, mental, and social issues for women and girls. While FGM is mainly found in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, it is a global concern, with instances reported in Asia, Latin America, and among immigrant groups in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

The 2025 Theme: Step Up the Pace
The theme for 2025, “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” highlights the importance of united and ongoing efforts to reach the 2030 target. This involves:

• Building stronger partnerships among governments, NGOs, and local communities.
• Increasing funding for education and healthcare.
• Tackling the root causes of FGM, including gender inequality and harmful social norms.