Tuesday 14 March 2017

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed every
year on February 6 to raise awareness of the practice of FGM and work towards its elimination. It is
sponsored by UN,

2017 Theme: “Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa and the world to accelerate ending FGM by 2030”.

What is FGM?

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It
comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical
reasons. Globally, it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have
undergone some form of FGM. It cause severe bleeding and health issues including infections, cysts,
infertility as well as complications in childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths. It reflects deeprooted gender inequality and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice also violates their rights to health, physical integrity, security and their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and right to life. The 2015 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) calls for an end to FGM by 2030 under Goal 5 on Gender Equality,
Target 5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital
mutilation

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