On Tuesday 6 February, the world comes together to observe The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day, recognized by the United Nations, aims to amplify efforts and direct attention toward eliminating this harmful practice. Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights and the health and integrity of girls and women. The United Nations, in collaboration with organizations like UNFPA and UNICEF, leads a global program to accelerate the elimination of FGM. The joint program focuses on 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East, supporting grassroots organizations, coalitions, and survivor-led movements. These initiatives advocate for changes in policies, laws, and social norms, with the goal of ending FGM by 2030. Let’s delve into the roots of FGM in Egypt and explore recent efforts to combat this phenomenon. Egypt’s Battle Against Female Genital Mutilation Egypt has a complex history when it comes to FGM. According to the Egyptian Family Health Survey, a staggering 86 percent of Egyptian married women between the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone FGM, 74 percent of whom by doctors. Although attitudes towards circumcision have shown positive changes,…
