International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
On February 6th, the United Nations sponsors the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, which is part of the UN’s fight to end female genital mutilation. It was initially released in the year of 2003. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a day of international observation, not a public holiday. This day is part of a UN led effort to achieve one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM) being a crucial aim under Goal 5. FGM has always been conducted each year on February 6th, and the UN as well as other social advocacy groups are working hard to stop the practise by 2030. With the persistent pursuit of advocacy, awareness of FGM has been growing.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) have all concurred that female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cruel practise. This agreement was reached based on the health hazards and human indignity associated with FGM.
The topic has a high probability of being asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims and Mains as it holds international as well as domestic importance.
History of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
One of the supporting concepts for this day recognises that culture is in “continuous motion,” and that, given the high risk nature of FGM, its abolition must occur quickly. This is a movement advocating women’s rights to their bodies and the safeguarding of their physical wellbeing, which can have a significant impact later in life. These measures will enhance efforts to combat violence against women and girls in general. “Although predominantly prevalent in 29 nations in the Africa and in the Middle East, FGM is a global problem and is also done in several countries in Asia and Latin America,” according to Every Woman, Every Child (a global movement).
Significance
According to World Health Organization figures, some 120 tio140 million women have been subjected to FGM over the years, and at least 3 million girls are in danger each year (WHO). It is an attempt to raise global awareness about FGM and promote its abolition. “Though the practise has survived for over a thousand years, comprehensive research indicates that FGM can be eliminated in one generation,” according to the World Health Organization.