- Every year on 6 February, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed.
- The day provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice.
- This year, the theme of the day is ‘Step Up the Pace.’
- The focus of the theme is on strengthening alliances and building a movement to end FGM.
- It was first celebrated in 2003.
- Since 2008, nearly 7 million girls and women have accessed prevention and protection services.
- In addition, 48 million people have made a public declaration to renounce FGM, and 220 million people have been reached with mass media messages on the issue.
- Over the past two years, nearly 12 000 grassroots organizations and 112 000 community and frontline workers have worked to bring about change.
