Stop FGM
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
Every year, on February 6th, we mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that still affects millions of girls and women around the world. It is estimated that more than 4 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM every year, a form of violence that robs them of their freedom and seriously harms their health. And this is not just a distant issue: in Europe alone, around 600,000 women live with the consequences of FGM, and another 190,000 girls are at risk.
That’s why ActionAid, together with the End FGM European Network, is standing with communities to put an end to this practice through concrete action.
How does ActionAid fight to end FGM?
- Awareness and education: We work with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM, engaging leaders, women and families to drive real cultural change.
- Support for survivors: We provide psychological and legal assistance to help women rebuild their lives and secure a better future.
- Advocacy and policy: We campaign for stronger laws and for the recognition of the rights of those affected by this violence.
Behind the numbers are the real stories of many women and girls who have experienced this harm.
Pamela was only 13 when her father forced her to marry a much older man. She underwent FGM, and the complications during the birth of her first daughter were severe. That trauma changed her life forever.
Chepatula lost her daughter due to an FGM procedure carried out in secret. She didn’t know the risks and only realized the violence of the act after the tragedy.
Everlyne, at age 14, managed to escape FGM thanks to a teacher who convinced her family to let her continue her studies instead of forcing her into marriage.
Salome, at just 12 years old, ran away from home to avoid FGM. She walked more than 200 kilometers on her own, enduring a harrowing journey, but survived thanks to the kindness of strangers. Today, she is back in school and building a new future.
Sadly, these stories are not isolated—too many women and girls face the same violence. We need your help to continue this fight.
Support our projects with a donation. Together, we can build a future where no girl is ever forced to undergo FGM again.
