Last updated by Stephanie Rosser on Wednesday, January 29, 2025

The 6th February 2025 is The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), every year.

Over the last three decades, the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has declined globally. But every year, over 2 million girls are still subjected to FGM before their fifth birthday. The UN aims to eliminate FGM by 2030. 

Within Essex, this year lets focus on understanding, fostering open discussions and challenge social norms that perpetuate FGM:

Lets start with some myth busting:

• FGM is not an issue for Girls and Women in the UK. MYTH
• FGM is a religious tradition. MYTH
• FGM has health benefits. MYTH
• FGM is only performed in rural areas or by traditional cutters. MYTH
• You can’t change a person’s perspective on FGM. MYTH
• If a child tells me they are the survivor of FGM – it’s too late, there is nothing I can do. MYTH

This Domestic and Cultural Abuse Newsletter has more information.