International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation • February 6
Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, is the practice of cutting or altering parts of a girl’s genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is usually done when girls are very young, sometimes even as babies. It is not medical care. It is a harmful cultural practice.
FGM is done for social reasons, not health. In some communities, it is believed to control female sexuality, protect family honor, or make a girl acceptable for marriage. Others defend it as tradition or claim it is religious. This is false. No major religion requires FGM, and health authorities like the World Health Organization have clearly stated that it has no medical benefit.
The harm is serious and long-lasting. FGM can cause extreme pain, heavy bleeding, infections, and problems with urination. Later in life, it can lead to complications during childbirth and ongoing physical pain. Many girls also suffer anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress that can last for years.
FGM has existed for thousands of years and is still practiced today in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and some areas of Asia. It also occurs within migrant communities in other parts of the world. It continues mainly because of social pressure, fear of rejection, and silence.
February 6 is zero tolerance day for female genital mutilation. It exists because this is still happening, and many people still do not understand the harm.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
