International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM

Blade in hand, lady down, older women surround her, she must be circumcised to prove her womanhood as some traditions demand.

February 6th marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day to raise awareness and reiterate our commitment to ending this harmful practice.

In Cameroon, much progress has been made in ending this barbaric tradition with a 1% estimated prevalence among girls and women aged 15-49 according to Orchid Project (https://www.orchidproject.org/about-fgc/where-does-fgc-happen/cameroon/)

However, according to UNICEF data and research initiatives, FGM is still prevalent in the Far North, North, Adamawa regions, and amongst the Ejagham people of Manyu Division of Cameroon, where it is often performed as a rite of passage or to ensure a girl’s marriageability.

It is worth noting that FGM has no health benefits and can lead to severe physical and emotional complications, including chronic pain, infertility, and mental health issues.

Zero tolerance for FGM means recognizing the practice as a serious human rights violation and taking concrete actions to prevent it. You can contribute to this by

• Raising awareness and educating your community
• You can work with local communities to help them change behaviours
• Provide medical support to survivors.
  Let’s all say NO to FGM!