Each year, around 4 million girls worldwide are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM), with most girls cut before the age of 15 and even worse some before the age of 5 thereby infringing on their human rights.
Female genital mutilation is about the harming of the female genitals for non-medical or specific purposes, most times without the consent of the female. This practice is mostly done in Africa and the Middle East to female children without considering the amount of pain and discomfort it brings to the female child in later years.
In many of the countries where FGM is performed, it is a deeply entrenched social norm rooted in gender inequality where violence against girls and women is socially acceptable. There are varying reasons and beliefs behind the imbibing of this practice. In some cases, it is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, while some see it as a means of reducing a woman’s sexuality. Other communities practice this in the belief that it will ensure a girl’s future marriage while some associate it with religious beliefs, although no religious scripture explicitly states it or requires it as a criterion for anything. Some other practicing communities indulge in the act as a means to reduce the promiscuity of females in the community.
Promoting gender equality is crucial to obtaining a haven for all and promoting humanity which is an important aspect of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, but it also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas and this has prompted The Sapphires Development Initiative to advocate for gender equality and empowerment of females by supporting the sustainable development goal 6 in the African/Nigeria society which is one of our key tenets.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is celebrated so as to create awareness of this damage done to the female gender. Research shows that many females who go through female genital mutilation experience both short-term and long-term side effects including but not limited to excessive bleedings, infections, and severe pain and long-term effects like damaged physical, mental, and social health.
The International Day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation is to create awareness about the dangers of FGM and to teach people how to contribute to the eradicating of FGM. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, intending to increase the rate of the elimination of this practice and get rid of it totally by 2030.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE TO FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION?
Wondering why celebrating this day and creating awareness is important? Here are a few reasons:
- Many countries that practice this harmful culture are beginning to understand the negative effect of this platform and the practice is falling out of favor in these countries.
- The enlightenment of youths on sexual education through this platform has made it possible for the reduction of promiscuous acts of which the ones practicing this culture are stating have their main reason for the practice.
- We have a greater number of women and girls that can live their lives and fully harnessed their economic and social potential without discomfort from this harmful practice.
Seeing the above, The Sapphires Initiative being committed to SDGs 3,4, and 5. We believe strongly in gender equality and all genders making decisions themselves as long as they are of age to do so. We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere of excellence by observing important days like this is a way of engaging in our quota of the eradication of FGM.
FGM according to the research we have made is harmful to ladies who go through this cultural practice and it is done to children who are unable to make decisions on their own is uncalled for.
The Sapphires Development Initiative is fully devoted to engaging vigorously in the activities of the International Day Of Zero Tolerance To Female Genital Mutilation to enlighten and educate people about the adverse, harmful, and life longing effects that this practice has on the women in the environment. Support our vision by joining the tribe-mates. More information on how to partner/ join? See the partner with us segment or click here.
REFERENCES:
International Day Of Zero Tolerance To Female Genital Mutilation, February 6
https://un.org
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
https://unfpa.org
What is Female Genital Mutilation
https://unicef.org
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
https://unwomen.org