United Nations – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (6 February2026)

Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, France reaffirms the importance of combating these violations of fundamental rights and promoting gender equality throughout the world.

According to UNICEF, more than 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone genital mutilation, i.e. a 15% increase compared to figures for 2016. The United Nations Population Fund states that a further 23 million girls risk being subjected to this violence over the next four years.
These practices violate the rights of women and girls: they undermine their health, safety and physical integrity, with dire consequences for their well-being and development.

France calls on the international community to continue efforts to eradicate these unacceptable practices and guarantee that the inalienable right to bodily integrity is protected.

The fight against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence is one of the cornerstones of France's international strategy for a feminist foreign policy (2025-2030). France is taking action to combat this violence via the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF), supporting more than 150 projects worldwide. The programme DEVENIR - Strengthening community engagement for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation has mobilized nearly 400 young people and raised awareness among 640,000 people about sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through the Muskoka Fund for mothers' and children's health, France supports four UN agencies (UNFPA, WHO, UN Women and UNICEF) to train health professionals in six West and Central African countries in comprehensive care for victims.

France will continue its commitment alongside the United Nations, States and institutional, academic and civil society partners to bring an end to Female Genital Mutilation.