“Health systems and health professionals are essential to the wellbeing of societies. They provide credible, scientific and unbiased information that can help people protect themselves from violations of their rights.”
~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon ~
About 120 to 140 million women have been subject to Female genital mutilation (FGM) and 3 million girls are at risk each year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
FGM encompasses of all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice also violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in fatal bleeding or even death.
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed yearly on the 6th of February. It is an UN-sponsored awareness day served as an effort to make the world to be aware of female genital mutilation and to promote its eradication.
The elimination of FGM is a key target under Goal 5 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and this year’s day is being held under the theme “Mobilizing to Achieve the Global Goals through the Elimination of FGM by 2030”.
To promote the abandonment of FGM, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed in engaging whole communities by focusing on human rights and gender equality. These efforts should emphasise on societal dialogue and the empowerment of communities to act collectively to end the practice. They must also address the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.
World Assembly of Youth (WAY), are in support with UNFPA and partners in mobilising health professionals to abolish female genital mutilation. They believe that in order to be effective in speeding up the end of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting, efforts towards elimination need to be focussed on multi-sectoral and rights-based approaches, inclusive of the voices of girls, young women, boys, young men, parents, schools, traditional leaders and local authorities. They will continue to stand as the young people’s voice to fight the female genital mutilation as we believe that the beautiful world is when gender equality is achieved with no violence against women in any forms.
“DEVELOPMENT ROUND TABLE“
– Working & Studying – The Changing Trends of a young workforce – 23rd February, 2016
Leave A Comment