International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025: #HerVoiceMatters in the Global Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation

Marked on February 6, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation underscores the urgent need to eliminate a practice that infringes upon the human rights and health of millions of women and girls worldwide. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this observance advocates for intensified global efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The 2025 Theme: "Her Voice. Her Future."

The theme for 2025, “Her Voice. Her Future,” emphasizes the critical role of survivors in leading the movement against female genital mutilation. Survivor-led initiatives advocate for policy changes, challenge harmful social norms, and empower women and girls to exercise their rights to health, education, and security. This collective action is essential for transforming societal attitudes and achieving gender equality.

Global Impact of Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation refers to all procedures that intentionally alter or harm female genital organs for non-medical purposes, causing both immediate and lifelong health consequences. Though traditionally concentrated in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and some parts of Asia and Latin America, female genital mutilation persists globally, including among migrant communities in Europe, North America, and Oceania. While a girl is now one-third less likely to undergo this harmful practice than 30 years ago, over 200 million women and girls have already been affected, with 4.4 million girls estimated to be at risk in 2025 alone.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals

The campaign to eliminate female genital mutilation is directly aligned with several key Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ending female genital mutilation is crucial for ensuring physical and mental health for women and girls.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Empowering women and girls through education can help eliminate harmful practices by fostering awareness and self-advocacy.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The elimination of female genital mutilation is a fundamental target under this goal, aiming to empower all women and girls to live free from violence and discrimination.

UN Actions and Survivor-Led Advocacy

The United Nations, in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, has spearheaded the largest global initiative against female genital mutilation since 2008. The Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation operates across 17 countries, supporting over 11,000 grassroots organizations and survivor-led movements advocating for legal reforms and shifting social norms. While progress has been made, the current rate of reduction must accelerate tenfold to meet the 2030 goal of eliminating female genital mutilation.

How to Participate on February 6, 2025

In 2025, everyone is encouraged to join the #HerVoiceMatters movement. By sharing survivor stories, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes, individuals and organizations worldwide can support the mission to end female genital mutilation. Together, we can foster an environment that champions the health, rights, and future of all women and girls.