International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February 2023

02 Feb 2023

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, altered or removed for non-medical reasons. FGM:

• has no health benefits
• is illegal in the UK
• when done on a child is child abuse
• can cause long term physical and emotional health problems

FGM is practiced worldwide. In 2023, 4.3 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM.  Every year 6 February is designated as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.  The aim is to make the wider population more aware of FGM and to support work towards eliminating FGM by 2030.  The theme for 2023 focuses on partnering with men and boys to end FGM.

• See the UN website for further details

Help and Support

If you, or someone you know, is at risk of FGM, or had FGM then help is available:

• You can report this to the police by dialling 101, or by dialling 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
• You can call the NSPCC’s free, anonymous dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk.
• You can speak to your GP, health visitor or another healthcare professional if you are under pressure to have FGM performed on yourself or your daughter, or call the NSPCC helpline.
• If you have undergone FGM yourself, you can get help and support from an FGM specialist doctor or nurse; speak to your GP, midwife or any other healthcare professional to get referred to FGM services in your area.

Further information, including links to FGM dedicated websites, can be found on the fitfortravel Female Genital Mutilation page.