International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026
Event Date: February 6, 2026
Recognizing Body: United Nations
Short Event Descriptor: A United Nations–recognized international observance focused on the global elimination of female genital mutilation.
What the Event Is
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 is a United Nations–recognized observance held annually on February 6. It documents global efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation, a practice internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights, health, and bodily integrity of women and girls.
Origins and Background
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The observance was established to consolidate international attention on the persistence of female genital mutilation and to support coordinated global efforts aimed at its elimination.
Female genital mutilation refers to all procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has been documented for centuries and remains present in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, as well as within migrant communities in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Purpose and Scope of the Event
The purpose of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is to provide a formal annual reference point for documenting progress, challenges, and international coordination related to ending the practice. The observance addresses health, human rights, education, and gender equality dimensions associated with female genital mutilation.
Globally, more than 200 million women and girls are estimated to be living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. Despite documented declines in prevalence over recent decades, millions of girls remain at risk each year, underscoring the continued relevance of the observance.
Event Theme (Current or Upcoming)
Theme: #HerVoiceMatters in the Global Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation
The theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 has been announced by United Nations entities and emphasizes the role of survivor voices within global efforts to end the practice. The theme highlights documented approaches that center lived experience in policy, research, and community-based responses.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation Themes
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is directly linked to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its documented focus on health, education, and gender equality.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing female genital mutilation reduces preventable physical and mental health complications affecting women and girls.
SDG 4: Quality Education – Educational access and awareness are documented factors in reducing the prevalence of harmful practices, including female genital mutilation.
SDG 5: Gender Equality – The elimination of female genital mutilation is an explicit target under this goal, addressing discrimination and violence against women and girls.
How the Event Is Observed
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed through official statements, research publications, data releases, and institutional briefings issued by the United Nations and its partner agencies. Observances may also include documented policy discussions and reporting on progress toward internationally agreed targets.
The day functions as a reference point rather than a single coordinated activity, allowing governments, institutions, and researchers to align reporting and evaluation efforts.
Key Facts at a Glance
Date: February 6, 2026
Established by: United Nations General Assembly (2012)
First observed: 2012
Primary focus: Elimination of female genital mutilation worldwide
Global prevalence: Over 200 million women and girls affected globally
Frequently Asked Questions – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026
What is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 is a United Nations observance held on February 6. It documents global efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation and tracks progress toward internationally agreed goals. The observance provides a standardized reference point for governments and institutions.
Why is February 6 significant for this observance?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is held on February 6 following its designation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The date was selected to anchor annual global attention on the issue. It has been observed consistently since its establishment.
Who recognizes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is recognized by the United Nations. United Nations agencies including UNFPA and UNICEF support related research, reporting, and coordination activities. National governments and institutions reference the observance in official contexts.
What is female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation refers to procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights. It is associated with both immediate and long-term health consequences.
How many people are affected globally?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation addresses a practice affecting more than 200 million women and girls worldwide. Millions of additional girls are estimated to be at risk each year. These figures are based on United Nations–supported data.
How does this observance relate to the 2030 Agenda?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is linked to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ending female genital mutilation is a documented target under Sustainable Development Goal 5. Progress is assessed through global monitoring frameworks.
Is there an official theme for 2026?
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 has an announced theme: #HerVoiceMatters in the Global Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation. The theme has been communicated by United Nations entities. It reflects documented emphasis on survivor-informed approaches.
References
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation – United Nations
https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day
Last updated: 2025
Female Genital Mutilation – World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
Last updated: 2024
Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation – UNFPA and UNICEF
https://www.unfpa.org/joint-programme-fgm
Last updated: 2024
