06.02.2023: International Day against Female Genital Mutilation

In February 2003, the Inter-African Committee (IAC) met in Ethiopia to hold an international conference with the motto "No Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation". The aim of the conference was to raise awareness of the violent practice called Female Genital Mutilation/FGM.

Since 2003, February 6 has therefore been the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation.

What is female genital mutilation?

According to the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, female genital mutilation is the partial or total removal of or damage to the female genitalia without medical justification.
The practice is often traditionally or falsely justified on religious grounds.

Where is female genital mutilation widespread?

Female genital mutilation is now widespread worldwide due to migration. However, it is most widespread in East Africa. Over 200 million women and girls are affected worldwide. One more person every 10 seconds.

What are the consequences of female genital mutilation?

Healthy genital tissue is removed and damaged, and the body's functions are severely impaired. However, there is not only lifelong physical damage, but also severe psychological damage.

Incomprehensible pain during the procedure, trauma, shock and death from blood loss: all of these are among the direct consequences of female genital mutilation. Long-term damage includes abdominal pain, immense problems with urination, complications during sexual intercourse, menstrual disorders, danger to life during pregnancy and childbirth.

What is TARGET's strategy for ending female genital mutilation?

Since most of those affected are Muslim, TARGET sees Islam as the greatest opportunity to end the practice. In addition to educational work and medical care, TARGET works with imams who spread the incompatibility of female genital mutilation with Islam.

The main area of TARGET's FGM work is the African continent.

More about TARGET's work to end female genital mutilation

Targeted support:

Support project work through regular donations

One-off gift donations for educational workshops, educational material or medical aid in Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia