On February 6th, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was observed to celebrate achievements, advocate for abandonment of the practice, and raise awareness. The United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, released a statement in support of the cause and the more than 200 million survivors of FGM/C around the world.
Blinken stated that the United States stands against the practice of FGM/C as a form of gender-based violence and human rights abuse that affects girls and young women in nearly 30 countries, including the United States. He emphasized the need for action to reach the global target of elimination by 2030 and the U.S.’s continued support through its $5 million annual contribution to the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation.
In line with the 2022 update to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, the United States will work towards ending FGM/C through partnerships with survivors, locally led women’s organizations, youth-led groups, and networks. The U.S. stands with survivors in a posture of “zero tolerance” for FGM/C and will continue to advocate for women and girls to have the freedom to make their own choices about their bodies, lives, and futures.