Sunday, 6 February 2022, marks a decade of celebrating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. One of the most prevalent, persistent, and destructive human rights violations is Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the forms in which VAWG manifests.

FGM refers to any procedure that involves removing or injuring the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Often FGM is executed under unhygienic conditions, resulting in short-term health problems such as intense pain, shock, severe bleeding, and infections, along with long-term repercussions for the sexual and mental well-being of the victim.