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) is dedicated to raising awareness about this harmful practice, its extreme health risks and violation of a woman's rights. Recognized by the United Nations (UN), this Observance calls for intensified, coordinated efforts worldwide to eradicate FGM. A critical focus is to support better education, changing cultural practices, and legal measures to help protect millions of girls and women.

This observance dates back to 2003 when the UN first began a substantial campaign against FGM. This is especially relevant in India, where, although FGM is not widely practiced amongst the majority, it is still prevalent in some communities. The Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim sect, has been reported to practice a form of FGM called "khatna" that has drawn both international and national attention to the issue. The majority of India, however, remains largely unaware of this practice.

In India, organizations and activists mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation by conducting educational programs, engaging with the media, and holding campaigns to raise awareness about the physical and psychological consequences of FGM. Various NGOs, activists, and medical professionals actively advocate to outlaw the practice, urging for comprehensive legislation. While there is no specific date for observation specific to India, this day is globally observed each year on February 6th as established by the UN.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in India

• The 2026 theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is Towards 2030: No end to female genital mutilation without sustained commitment and investment.
• Within the Indian context, the practice is traditionally referred to as khatna or khafd and is predominantly observed within the Dawoodi Bohra community, as well as among the Sulemani and Alvi Bohra sects.
• The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating on a significant Public Interest Litigation that seeks to formally outlaw the practice, with the bench issuing fresh notices to the Union Government in late 2025 to clarify its legal standing under the Constitution of India.
• A major point of contention in recent years has been the medicalization of the procedure, where it is increasingly performed by trained healthcare professionals in private clinics to avoid the risks associated with traditional practitioners.
• The National Award-winning documentary A Pinch of Skin by filmmaker Priya Goswami is one of the first creative works to break the silence surrounding this issue in India by documenting the anonymous testimonies of survivors.
• Literary works such as the novel Seven by Farzana Doctor have gained traction for exploring the intersection of faith, trauma, and bodily autonomy within the Bohra community.
• Survivor-led advocacy groups like Sahiyo and WeSpeakOut have launched influential digital campaigns such as Each One Reach One to foster dialogue and provide support for those affected by the practice.
• Although there is no specific legislation currently banning the practice in India, legal experts argue that it can be prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act or the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
• Independent research conducted by grassroots organizations suggests that roughly 75 percent of girls in practicing communities undergo the procedure, typically between the ages of six and ten.
• The follow-up documentary The Medium explores the complexities of navigating cultural traditions while challenging the practice, specifically focusing on the lived experiences of women in Mumbai and other urban centers.

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

Top things to do in India 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:
  Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad - by Waris Dirie
  The Hidden Face of Eve: Women in the Arab World - By Nawal El Saadawi
• Attend Film Screenings: You could organize or attend film screenings that tackle the issue of FGM to educate and spread awareness among the people. Documentaries like "The Cut" & "Desert Flower" are some alternatives.