Today, Ghana joins the world in observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Observed annually on February 6, this day serves as an important reminder to both highlight progress made and raise awareness about the need to eliminate this harmful practice.
The theme for this year’s event, “Step Up the Pace,” emphasizes the importance of strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM.
Female Genital Mutilation refers to any procedure that intentionally alters or damages the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is widely recognized as a violation of women’s human rights, as well as their health and integrity.
Girls who undergo FGM are at risk of short-term complications like severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulties with urination, while long-term effects can significantly impact their sexual, reproductive, and mental health.
According to the United Nations, the global prevalence of FGM has decreased over the past three decades, with a girl today being one-third less likely to undergo the procedure than she would have been 30 years ago.
However, the UN warns that setbacks caused by crises like disease outbreaks, climate change, and conflict could reverse the progress made toward achieving gender equality and eradicating FGM by 2030.
With just five years remaining in the Decade of Action, the UN urges collective efforts to create a world where girls and women can fully exercise their rights to health, education, and safety.
