This Saturday, February 6th is International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). In an effort to make the world aware of female genital mutilation and to promote an end to it, in December of 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution; to observe February 6th as the day the world tells the perpetrators of FGM/C that there is no tolerance for the practice of it. Since then, the U.N. requested that the day be used to enhance awareness-raising campaigns, and to take concrete action against the practice of female genital mutilation/Cutting.
There are several scheduled events around the world to observe this significant day. Equality Now is co-hosting an event at the United Nations in New York, where U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon will address the guests. Inter-African Committee USA (IAC-USA) will host an event in Germantown, Maryland. These are only two of the many observances to raise awareness about the heinous practice of female genital mutilation/cutting.
Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation joins other anti-FGM/C organizations, advocates and activists around the world in sending the message that we will not tolerate the practice of FGM/C. We will continue to demonstrate Zero Tolerance for this health hazardous practice on little girls.
We call out to everyone reading this edition to remember all of the girls and women whose lives were taken at the blades of excisors for the past five thousand plus years. We applaud all of the women who have survived the years of post-FGM/C, and the courage many of them exhibit by speaking out against what they endured many years before.
We ask that you wear an item of purple this Saturday, February 6th to make your voice heard that you will not tolerate female genital mutilation/cutting. Fly a purple flag on your car; wear a purple bow or flower in your hair or wear a purple jacket. Thank you!
