The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is observed each year to raise awareness about this practice. FGM/C of any type has been recognized as a harmful practice, and a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

 

The practice refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non-medical reasons. It is estimated that from 100 to 140 million girls and women have undergone some form of genital mutilation/cutting, and at least 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing the practice every year.