International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
The 6th February marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This is a day to focus attention on one of the most persistent violations of girls’ and women’s rights. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2012, this day a call to action, investment and accountability across sectors.
In 2026, the emphasis is that while progress has been made, gains remain fragile and require ongoing political leadership, strengthened systems and reliable financing to ensure elimination by the target year.
Why FGM Matters for Sexual and Public Health
FGM is the non-medical cutting, removal or injury of female genital tissues and is recognised as a harmful practice with no health benefit, and significant short- and long-term physical, sexual and psychological consequences. It violates fundamental human rights, including the rights to health, bodily integrity and freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
For sexual and reproductive health professionals, FGM is both a clinical and systemic concern:
Health Consequences: Women and girls who have undergone FGM may experience chronic pain, infections, obstetric complications, sexual dysfunction, and mental health issue.
Service Provision: Primary-care, sexual health, midwifery, gynaecology and community health services need integrated pathways for identification, referral, supportive counselling and surgical care when needed.
Training and Guidelines: Ensuring that frontline health workers are trained in respectful, evidence-based approaches.
Data and Evidence: Public health efforts benefit from robust data on prevalence, care needs and intervention impact to inform policy and resource allocation.
Globally, an estimated 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM, and around 4 million more are at risk each year. Without accelerated action, tens of millions of additional girls could be cut by 2030.
In high-income settings, including the UK, FGM remains a significant health equity and safeguarding issue, particularly in communities where the practice is rooted in cultural tradition or social norms.
The 2026 campaign calls for sustained commitment and investment — not only in financial terms, but also in political will, coordination, and community-led action.
The road to eliminating FGM by 2030 will require collective action from health professionals, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and survivors themselves. International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is an opportunity for the sexual and public health sectors to renew their commitment with sustained investment, integrated strategies and collaborative leadership.
Ending FGM is not only a goal but a continuous public health and human rights imperative requiring enduring commitment at every level of practice and policy.
You can read more about London’s efforts to end FGM here FGM Stops Here | London City Hall and more about the International Day here International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 | UNICEF