International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Observed on6 February 2025.

Important Days

The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) annually on February 6 to raise awareness and strengthen global efforts to eliminate FGM. The day serves as a platform for stakeholders to highlight progress, advocate for the abandonment of FGM, and protect girls and women from this harmful practice.


      - The 6th of February 2025 marks the 14th observance of this UN-recognized day. The theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2025 is: "Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation."

      - Countries with the highest prevalence of FGM among girls aged 15 to 49 include Somalia (98%), Guinea (97%), and Djibouti (93%).

     

Main Point :-   (i) On February 6, 2003, Stella Obasanjo, the First Lady of Nigeria and a prominent advocate against FGM, officially declared "Zero Tolerance for FGM" in Africa at a conference organized by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC). The first observance of the day took place in 2003.

      (ii) Following this declaration, February 6 was officially recognized by the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

(iii) On December 20, 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/67/146, formally designating February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation to accelerate efforts to eliminate the practice worldwide.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Executive Director (ED) : Dr. Natalia Kanem
Headquarters : New York
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