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International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February 2025

05 February 2025

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve injury, partial or total removal of the female genitalia. It is most usually carried out on young girls, but also occasionally on adult women. FGM confers no medical benefits and results in both physical and psychological consequences. When FGM is performed on children it is classed as child abuse.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The aim is to raise awareness and concentrate efforts on eliminating FGM by 2030.

  • In 2024, nearly 4.4 million girls around the world were at risk of FGM.
  • More than 200 million women and girls alive today are survivors of FGM.
  • 1 in 4 survivors had FGM performed by a healthcare worker.
  • Daughters of FGM survivors are at much higher risk to undergo FGM, compared to daughters of women who have not undergone FGM.

The risk to girls being subjected to FGM today is one third less than 30 years ago; however, if the global target of FGM elimination by 2030 is to be met, then progress needs to significantly increase.

The 2025 theme is 'Step up the Pace' which is a call to action across all sectors to strengthen alliances and build movements to end FGM.

  • Further information on key messages and how you can get involved in the campaign is available on the United Nations website.

Advice for Healthcare Practitioners

Travel health professionals may, during the travel consultation process, develop concerns that a girl is being taken abroad to have FGM performed.

  • All healthcare practitioners need to be vigilant to the possibility of FGM, both for girls living in the UK and for girls who may travel abroad to have the procedure carried out.
  • Local safeguarding guidelines must be followed to protect girls at risk.

See the TRAVAX FGM advice page for further information on:

  • Types of FGM
  • Epidemiology
  • Physical and psychological consequences of FGM
  • How to identify those at risk of FGM
  • What to do if you suspect a girl is at risk of FGM
  • Guidance on performing an FGM risk assessment
  • How to report a suspected or confirmed case of FGM
  • Links to FGM guidance and resources