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.
