International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

The practise is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. In many settings, health care providers perform FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized. 

FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practise also violates a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on 6 February is "No Time for Global Inaction: Unite, Fund, and Act to end FGM." This theme highlights that accelerated action is needed to save girls from this intentional disfigurement that violates their human rights and adversely affects their health and well-being.

Regional Director's Message

Regional Director, Dr Matshidiso Moeti - Message on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February 2022

Rooting out female genital mutilation in Tanzania

Efforts to end female genital mutilation are gradually bearing fruit in Tanzania. The prevalence of the ritual that marks a rite of passage among some communities has now fallen to around 10% from 18% in 1996. An increasing number of girls are attending alternative rites of passage and more cases are being reported and handled by the police thanks to campaigns by activists and non-governmental organizations.

Tanzania criminalized female genital mutilation in 1998. The country has also adopted a National Plan of Action to end Violence against Women and Children and is committed to ending violence against women and children in all its forms, including female genital mutilation, by 2030.