The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which falls on 6 February, aims to spread awareness about this human rights-abusive practice that affects millions of girls, young women and women around the world, with very serious consequences on their physical and psychological health. The theme of the 2026 edition, Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment, recalls the need for continued involvement of governments, civil society and the international community.
 

According to the United Nations, over 230 million girls and women have been subjected to FGM; it is estimated that 22.7 million will be at risk by 2030 if no action is taken, while approximately 4 million girls undergo the practice every year. Despite progress, the pace of reduction must accelerate significantly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; inactivity also entails estimated healthcare costs of around 1.4 billion dollars per year.

Several initiatives are planned for February 6. In Milan, ActionAid is hosting Insieme contro le Mfg (Together Against FGM), an event featuring the presentation of the book Mutilazioni genitali femminili. Oltre il rito e la ferita (Female Genital Mutilation: Beyond the Ritual and the Wound), a policy brief on the implementation of Law no. 7 of 2006, and the screening of the short film Ragazze dalla Terra (Girls from the Earth).
In Rome, the conference Giornata Internazionale contro le Mutilazioni Genitali Femminili. Per la tutela della salute riproduttiva delle donne tra Nord e Sud del Mondo (International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation. For the Protection of Women's Reproductive Health between the North and South of the World) will take place, with speeches by institutional representatives and experts.
In Tuscany, the conference Impegno globale: risultati raggiunti e azioni efficaci future per la donna (Global Commitment: Achievements and Effective Future Actions for Women) is scheduled, with the participation of institutions and experts.

For further legal analysis, reference is made to the regulatory framework prepared by the National Documentation and Analysis Centre for Childhood and Adolescence.
Additional materials and news can be found on this site under “Female genital mutilation”, accessible from the “Topics” navigation menu.