International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) aims to raise awareness about this harmful practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. The observance advocates for comprehensive global measures to abolish this form of gender-based violence, and the importance of comprehensive sexuality education, legal measures, health services, and community dialogues to end FGM. Advocacy on this issue is vital as over 200 million women and girls globally are living with the consequences of this practice.

This observance, observed internationally, has vital relevance for New Zealand, as the country's increasing cultural diversity means it is not immune to this issue. The 2013 New Zealand Census showed over 3,000 women who had migrated from countries where FGM is practised. To address this, New Zealand has incorporated FGM into the Crimes Act 1961, and any form of FGM is considered assault, irrespective of consent or age. Education strategies and healthcare provisions have been developed to better respond to individuals affected.

New Zealand bears witness to various events including public talks, webinars, panel discussions, and cultural performances to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM. These events are aimed at fostering wider understanding and promoting discussion around FGM and the experiences of affected women. New Zealand’s efforts on this day underpin their commitment to safeguarding human rights and achieving gender equality nationally and globally. International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed each year on February 6th.

Facts about this United Nations observance

• The theme for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in 2024 was No Time for Global Inaction: Unite, Fund, and Act to end FGM. The theme in 2023 was Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation.
• According to the UNICEF In 2024, more than 4.4 million women are at risk of female genital mutilation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million women and girls worldwide are living with the effects of FGM.
  The practice is concentrated in about 30 countries across Africa, parts of the Middle East, and Asia, but also occurs in other regions due to migration.
• According to the U.N, girls who undergo female genital mutilation can face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, and infection. They may also face long-term complications regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
• Although FGM is not common in New Zealand, it is believed to still occur within certain communities originating from countries where FGM is practiced. In the 2013 New Zealand Census, it was estimated that around 3,000 women born in countries with high FGM prevalence were living in New Zealand.
• Anyone found guilty of performing FGM can face a maximum penalty of up to 14 years of imprisonment in New Zealand. This includes people who take a child or woman out of the country to perform the act.

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Traditional values and practices can be harmful especially if those practices carry unnecessary risk. It is believed that older generations are more likely to carry on such traditions despite scientific evidence against them. According to the U.N, adolescent girls aged 15-19 are less supportive of female genital mutilation than women aged 45-49. The U.N recommends investing in youth-led movements to help achieve gender equality and to eliminate violence against women and girls. Learn how you can become involved in their latest campaign Generation Equality.
• Learn more about the health risks of female genital mutilation and how you can help prevent the practice of it.
• Read a book to learn more about FGM:
  Female Genital Mutilation: A Guide to Laws and Policies Worldwide - by Anika Rahman, Nahid Toubia- Even though it doesn't specifically focus on New Zealand, it provides a comprehensive insight into the policies regarding FGM worldwide.
• Support Local Initiatives: The Auckland Regional Migrant Services and Shakti NZ often raise awareness on this issue, so supporting such initiatives would also be beneficial.