INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

In many communities across Africa, the Middle East and some parts of the world, there is a story that has been passed down quietly for generations. It is the story of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that began long ago and continues to shape the lives of many women today.

Every year on February 6, the world reflects on this issue, not to shame cultures or communities, but to protect girls, support women and encourage change through understanding.

Where It All Began

Historians don’t agree on exactly when Female Genital Mutilation started. Some trace it back thousands of years, even before major religions existed. In certain societies, it was seen as a rite of passage, a moment when a girl was believed to become a “proper woman.”

For some families, it was tied to marriage prospects. Parents believed it would make their daughters more acceptable for marriage. Others thought it preserved family honor or cultural identity. There were also misconceptions that it improved hygiene or morality, ideas that modern health experts have since disproved.

But many grandmothers who upheld the practice were not acting out of cruelty. They were continuing what they believed was right because it was what they had known all their lives. Tradition, after all, can be powerful.

Stories Carried by Women

Across Nigeria and other countries, many women have shared their experiences, not always in public, but in health clinics, radio programmes, or online support groups.

Some talk about confusion as young girls, not fully understanding what was happening to them. Others remember the pressure to stay silent afterwards because that is how it has always been done.

These stories always carry mixed emotions; love for family and culture on one side and personal pain or questions on the other. That complexity is why discussions about Female Genital Mutilation require empathy, not judgement.

How It Has Affected Women

The impact of FGM goes beyond the moment it happens. Many women say it shapes their lives in different ways; Some women experience ongoing health issues that require medical attention later in life. Some women say it affects how they view their bodies and relationships. While health professionals highlight that it can create complications during childbirth for some women.

Breaking the Silence

For many years, Female Genital Mutilation was rarely discussed openly. It was considered a private cultural matter, but change began when survivors started speaking, sometimes anonymously, sometimes publicly.

Community leaders, healthcare workers, journalists and educators began conversations that were once considered taboo.

These conversations are not about attacking culture. They are about protecting health and human rights while respecting people’s identities.

Signs of Change

Today, many families are choosing different paths for their daughters. Education has helped parents understand that a girl’s worth is not tied to this practice.

Governments have introduced laws in several countries and advocacy groups continue to provide support for affected women. Social media has also created safe spaces where women can share their experiences and find solidarity.

Why Awareness Still Matters

Even with progress, awareness remains essential. Some communities still practice FGM quietly because of social pressure or fear of stigma.

Days like February 6 remind us that; Education saves lives, open conversations reduce stigma, compassion encourages change, cultural evolution is possible and most importantly, every girl deserves safety, dignity and the freedom to grow without harm.

A Future Written Differently

Imagine a generation where young girls inherit culture without fear. Where tradition celebrates them without harming them. Where women who have been affected receive support, understanding and healing.

That future is possible, not through blame, but through knowledge, empathy, and collective effort. Because at the heart of this story is not just a harmful practice. It is also a story of resilience, courage, and hope.