International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6th February 2021

01 Feb 2021

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, altered or removed for non-medical reasons. There are no health benefits from FGM.

• FGM is illegal in the UK and is child abuse.

FGM is practiced in over 30 countries worldwide. In 2020, there were 4.1 million girls around the world at risk of undergoing FGM. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly have designated 06th February each year as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim of raising awareness and trying to eliminate FGM by 2030.

• 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, 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.