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) acknowledges the harmful and detrimental practice involving partial or total elimination of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This global observance aims to foster complete abandonment of this practice, recognizing it as a violation of human rights, particularly of girls and women. It is fundamental for individuals and societies to understand the health risks, emotional trauma, and societal damage associated with FGM, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education, supportive healthcare services, and effective legislation.

The United Nations General Assembly made the official global declaration on February 6th, 2003 to pressure countries to eliminate the practice, including the United Kingdom. This issue concerns the UK deeply due to the immigrant communities that have historically practised FGM, creating a significant challenge for child protection and women's health. The Met Police and Crown Prosecution Services take this matter seriously, actively pursuing prosecutions against practitioners of FGM. The UK government, health sector, and NGOs continually raise awareness, provide support services and play a significant role in global efforts to eradicate FGM.

In the UK, the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed through awareness campaigns, seminars, and relevant educational sessions in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities, with a specific focus on areas with high immigrant populations. Public leaders, such as MPs and local councillors, often take part, alongside human rights activists and health/business professionals. These activities promote understanding and encourage open dialogue surrounding the dangers and illegality of FGM. This observance falls on the same global date of February 6th annually, with various events and activities organised across the country to mark this vital day of remembrance and action.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in the UK

• The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed annually on 6 February to raise awareness about the physical and psychological harm caused by the practice and to advocate for its total elimination.
  
  For 2026, the United Nations has designated the theme as Towards 2030: No end to female genital mutilation without sustained commitment and investment, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term funding to protect the estimated four million girls at risk globally this year.
• In a landmark legal first for England and Wales, the Court of Appeal in January 2025 increased the prison sentence of a man convicted of conspiracy to commit female genital mutilation to seven years, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to prosecute those who attempt to traffic children abroad for the procedure.
• Recent NHS statistics show a concerning 15 per cent rise in hospital and GP attendances related to female genital mutilation in England, with over 14,000 attendances recorded in a single financial year.
• The newly established National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Public Protection, which launched in April 2025, now provides coordinated national leadership for UK police forces to improve the investigation and prosecution of harmful practices.
• Activists in the United Kingdom are closely monitoring legal challenges in the Gambia, where the Supreme Court is hearing a case in early 2026 regarding the potential repeal of that nation's ban on the practice, a move that could significantly impact the UK’s diaspora communities.
• Many survivors in Britain are currently campaigning for the NHS to provide routine access to reconstructive surgery, as recent reports highlight that many women are forced to self-fund expensive private treatment in Europe while the UK government conducts further research into the procedure's long-term effectiveness.
• Creative works such as the youth-led drama-documentary Silent Scream continue to be used as vital educational tools in British schools to empower young people to identify risks and challenge the cultural pressures surrounding the practice.
• To mark the 2026 observance, major regional events such as the Unite to End FGM: Knowledge Exchange Event in Swansea are bringing together survivors and legal experts to discuss strengthening multi-agency safeguarding approaches across the United Kingdom.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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:
  Understanding and Addressing Violence Against Women: Female Genital Mutilation - by World Health Organization.
  The Cruel Cut: Female Genital Mutilation & the Fight to End It - by Patrick Barkham.
• Join Awareness-Raising Campaigns: Many NGOs or organizations like Forward UK and The Orchid Project, conduct campaigns, talks, and seminars disseminating information about FGM.