Every year we acknowledge International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Circumcision or Traditional Cutting on 6 February.
What is Female Genital Circumcision or Traditional Cutting (FGC)?
FGC comprises all procedures that involve altering the female genital organ for non-medical reasons. FGC is recognised as a violation of human right and the health and wellbeing of women and girls.
Where does FGC happen?
The World Health Organisation estimates 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide have experienced FGC.
FGC is illegal in many parts of the world, however due to under regulation, it occurs in high numbers in many African and Middle Eastern countries. FGC is a universal practice that also happens in some countries in Asian and Latin America. FGC is also commonly found in many women and girls who have migrated and are living in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand.
There are around 109,000 people living in Australia who have migrated from countries with high prevalence rate of FGC.
Why is FGC practiced?
The reasons for FGC are complex and vary depending on the community. Some of the factors that contribute to the practice include:
- Social and cultural norms: FGC is often seen as a rite of passage that prepares girls for adulthood and marriage.
- Gender inequality: FGC is rooted in patriarchal structures that subordinate women and girls.
- Misconceptions about female sexuality: FGC is mistakenly believed to curb female sexuality and promote chastity.
- Lack of awareness and education: Many communities lack accurate information about the harmful consequences of FGC.
What is Zero Tolerance Day
In 2012, the United Nation General Assembly designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital circumcision or traditional cutting (FGC). Zero Tolerance Day is an day that aims to educate and create awareness of FGC in an attempt to eliminate the practice.
Impacts due to COVID-19
A recent study by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates an additional two million girls to be at risk of the practice by 2030 due to COVID-19. In response, United Nations has been coordinating and implementing programs and practices that take a whole of community approach, that focuses on human rights, gender equality and sex education.
The work of the FARRAP team at GenWest
The Family Reproductive Right Education Program (FARREP) is a Victorian government initiative, based on the United Nations initiative, with the aim to eliminate and readdress the sexual reproductive health needs of communities who have migrated from countries with a high prevalence rate of FGC.
The FARREP team at GenWest sits with the SACE (Strategy, Advocacy and Community Engagement) stream. The team works with a range of health professionals to build their capacity and ensure that they provide a culturally appropriate service.
FARREP works to build trust with women and communities to promote the wellbeing and human rights of women and girls. The program works with communities that traditionally practice FGC to:
- Increase their access to health services.
- Upskill and develop the capacity of services to be more responsive to community needs.
- Improve the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of women, young girls and their families.
- Increase community knowledge and skills in making appropriate sexual and reproductive health choices for themselves and for the future generation.
Find out more
Read more about the work of the FARRAP team on our health & wellbeing programs page.
Are you a health professional interested in professional development training? Visit our training page to find out more about FARRAP professional development training.
