UNFPA commemorates International Day against Female Genital Mutilation

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) commemorated an International Day against Female Genital Mutilation today. The announcement, written by UNFPA executive director Thoraya Ahmed Obiad, was published on the UNFPA website. Millions of women around the world have been subjected to this practice; moreover, 3 million girls are potential victims of female genital mutilation each year.

While widely accepted under the pretense of religious practice, the act is not required by any religion. While religious leaders have called for an injunction against female genital mutilation and the practice has been on the decline in several African countries, UNFPA hopes to engender stronger governmental commitment to the eradication of the practice. In her address, Ahmed Obiad stated, “we are guided by the knowledge that social change cannot be imposed from the outside.”

In addition to calling for the abolishment of FGM, UNFPA also recognizes that governments and organizations should aid those women in girls already affected by the practice.

Additionally, while there has been an increase in doctor-performed cuttings, the age at which the act is being performed is slowly becoming younger and younger in order to avoid any refusal from the participant.

For the full statement, click here.