International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation is one of the most extreme manifestations of long-standing inequality against women and girls. It is firmly anchored in the cultural and religious traditions, gender and social norms of communities. Without directly opposing these discriminatory standards, it is impossible to change such detrimental behaviours.
The opportunity to concentrate efforts and build on effective interventions is provided by the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Investments in the education of girls and their mothers, health education, and community discussions with parents, traditional leaders, and religious figures are a few of these.
As major change agents in prevention initiatives, men and boys play a crucial role in changing social and gender norms to end female genital mutilation.
The hard-won freedoms and rights of women and girls around the world are in jeopardy in 2023. Their vulnerability to hazardous practises is increased by the effects of health crises, climate change, and persistent conflict, which also undermine programmatic efforts that have made significant advancements. The moment has come to amp up efforts to stop FGM, not scale them back.
Women and girls have the right to be free from all forms of violence, to make decisions about their bodies, and to have equal access to opportunities for leadership, education, and employment. These rights entail obligations for everyone to act quickly and in compliance.
Recognizing the contribution of women's rights activists who are fighting on the front lines for the safety and support of millions of women and girls is another opportunity presented by this International Day. They are the ones who are changing things. They merit all assistance.
UN Women will continue to work with women and girls to hasten the cessation of this cruel and frequently fatal practise, building on the success of the multi-stakeholder alliances formed by Generation Equality and its Action Coalitions. Together with men, boys, and traditional and religious leaders, we will work to strengthen political will, overturn discriminatory laws, uphold current laws and policies, support women's economic empowerment, and expand evidence-based prevention programming in order to establish new norms that are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and place a strong emphasis on accountability for putting an end to FGM once and for all.