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.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in NZ

• The 2026 global theme for the observance is Towards 2030: No end to female genital mutilation without sustained commitment and investment, which emphasizes that the goal of total elimination by the end of the decade requires intensified financial and political support.
• In New Zealand, the observance shares the calendar with Waitangi Day, creating a unique national context where conversations about global human rights and bodily integrity coincide with the country’s most significant day of national identity and reflection.
• Female genital mutilation is strictly prohibited under Section 204A of the Crimes Act 1961, and anyone found guilty of performing, facilitating, or encouraging the practice faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
• New Zealand law specifically targets "vacation cutting," or transnational FGM, making it a criminal offense for parents or guardians to arrange for a child to be sent overseas to undergo the procedure.
• The New Zealand FGM Education Programme has seen remarkable success since its 1997 inception, with some local immigrant communities achieving nearly 100 percent abandonment of the practice through strength-based community education and leadership.
• Global health organizations are increasingly concerned by the medicalization of FGM, a trend where approximately one in four procedures is now performed by trained health workers, a practice the United Nations is working to stop as it violates medical ethics and remains a severe human rights violation.
• Recent data indicates that the global number of survivors has risen to over 230 million, and an estimated 4 million girls are projected to be at risk of undergoing the procedure in 2026 alone if prevention efforts are not significantly accelerated.

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.