International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

"When I was a teenager and on my path to becoming woman, it was for me a very tough time. I had physical pain and also psychological pain. I felt that I would never become a woman, because I had something missing, and I wasn’t worth it. Because cutting me was telling me that I am not good enough." Inna Moja from Mali

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is a UN-sponsored awareness day that takes place February 6 each year since 2003. This day is a part of a combined effort by the UN to meet one of its “Sustainable Development Goals, which the elimination of FGM is a key target under Goal 5.It is an effort to make the world aware of female genital mutilation (FGM) and to promote its eradication. One of the beliefs in support for this day acknowledges that culture is in “constant flux,” where practices which are found harmful must be promptly abolished. This is a movement for the rights of women and their bodies, as well as the protection of their physical health- which can be tremendously affected later in life. These efforts are to benefit actions fighting violence against women and girls as a whole. Although primarily concentrated in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a universal problem and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America in some European countries e.g. amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand

Globally, it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM and that every year, around 3million girls and women are at risk according to World Health Organization .This is a practice which has been carried out for thousands of years. It is a deeply embedded social norm that is done because it always has been. It is often considered a religious practice yet none of the popular religious dominations of these victims (Christianity and Islam) prescripts FGM. It is considered essential for marriage, preparation for womanhood, enhance the appearance of female genitals and to curb promiscuity. Africa is leading the way in ending FGM. More and more communities, leaders, and policy makers are driving a movement to end it.

Various activities and events are held on February 6 each year to promote raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Public conferences and forums often feature FGM survivors who are invited to share their personal experiences. Other activities include photo essays and round-table discussions on making policies and laws to end FGM, social media activism.

No tolerance to FGM is not just based on medical precautions, but as a way to protest the misogyny against females. Formal UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “it reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls,” in reference to the practice of FGM.

The health risks are numerous. High risk of contracting  human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia)increased risk of difficult labour, painful sex, chronic reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infection, caesarean sections, experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, or a recourse to episiotomy, and psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression., and, painful urination, menstrual problems, keloids and a violation to the right to life when the procedure results in death.

Stella Obasanjo, the First Lady of Nigeria and spokesperson for the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation, made the official declaration on "Zero Tolerance to FGM" On February 6, 2003, in Africa during a conference organized by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC). Then the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights adopted this day as an international awareness day. UNICEF increased its budget to nearly $91 million in efforts towards ending FGM.

            In 2003, the Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa was a huge step towards protecting the rights of women in Africa.

            Traditional and religious authorities have played a key part in the reduction of this ill.They have a firmer influence on the population than most advocating actors

Fahma Mohamed at 17years together with her colleagues at Bristol, used their resources and voices to protest against FGM .The young girls went to measures as deep as coming face to face with the ones who cut them, to confronting their fathers/authority, to petitioning using resources such as Change.Org.

The First Lady of Burkina Faso, Chantal Compaore, played a vital role in driving the UN resolution and has been dedicated to ending FGM in her country for over 20 years.

The world at large has gotten involved in this activism. The impact so far is amazing and efforts are being made to make a more permanent recognition and proclamation of zero tolerance for the persisting epidemic of FGM.

However, the practice still persists. Some people are still ignorant about the implications of this practice while others continue deliberately arguing that traditions and customs should not be changed, and others saying that it’s a noble means of livelihood.

Like every effort consistency is key. Do not minimize a voice, you might just save a life. Lets all stand united in action at our different levels. Spread the word.