International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a global commitment to eradicate the harmful practice of FGM. The primary goal of the day is to foster awareness about the damaging physical, psychological, and ethical consequences of FGM, often performed on girls and women in various parts of the world. It also underscores the violation of human rights associated with this practice and promotes advocacy towards the protection of girls and women.

This observance has a notable resonance and profound significance in the context of Canadian society. FGM is not confined to specific geographic locations. Immigration has rendered it a global issue that affects Canadian communities as well. Canada's dedicated efforts in recognizing and addressing FGM can trace its roots back to 1997, when the country amended its Criminal Code to explicitly include this practice as a form of aggravated assault. Public health, legal, and social structures across the country continuously endeavour to implement preventive measures and provide inclusive services to those affected by this practice.

In Canada, the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is marked by numerous events and activities engineered towards public education and awareness on the issue. Local NGOs, the healthcare sector, and intellectual communities often engage in discussions, produce educational materials and conduct awareness campaigns that highlight the physical and psychological harms of FGM. This observance takes place annually on February 6th, aligning with the global community in its aspiration to extinguish this human rights violation.

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.
• Canada passed legislation in 1997, which prohibits FGM under the Criminal Code of Canada. The practice is considered a form of child abuse and is punishable by law with up to 14 years of imprisonment.
• Canada recognizes FGM as a form of gender-based persecution and as grounds for asylum. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada takes FGM into consideration when reviewing refugee claims from women and girls fleeing countries with a high prevalence of the practice.

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

Top things to do in Canada 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:
  Cutting the Rose: Female Genital Mutilation: The Practice and its Prevention - by Efua Dorkenoo
  Undoing FGM: Pierre Foldès, the Surgeon Who Restores the Clitoris - by Hubert Prolongeau
• Attend Seminars, Roundtables, and Workshop: Universities, organizations, and NGOs often host informative sessions to raise awareness and initiate conversations about FGM.