United States • February 6, 2026 • Friday
Also known as: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a critical global advocacy day observed annually on February 6. In the United States, this day serves as a solemn period of reflection, education, and intensified activism aimed at eradicating a practice that constitutes a severe violation of human rights. Unlike traditional holidays that focus on celebration or festivities, this United Nations-sponsored awareness day is dedicated to the protection of girls and women and the promotion of their physical and mental integrity. It is a day where the global community, including federal agencies and grassroots organizations within the U.S., comes together to say that enough is enough.
Female Genital Mutilation involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a practice rooted in deep-seated gender inequality and social norms, often used as a means of controlling female sexuality or ensuring "purity." In the United States, the observance of this day is particularly significant as it highlights the intersection of international human rights and domestic health and safety. It provides a platform for survivors to share their stories, for advocates to lobby for stronger legal protections, and for healthcare providers to learn how to better support those who have been affected by this trauma.
What makes this day special in the American context is the powerful alliance between the government, civil society, and immigrant communities. The United States recognizes FGM not just as a "foreign" issue, but as a domestic concern affecting thousands of women and girls living within its borders. The day is characterized by a spirit of "Zero Tolerance," a phrase that underscores the uncompromising stance that no cultural or religious tradition justifies the violation of a child's body. By focusing on education and survivor-led initiatives, the U.S. observance aims to break the cycle of silence and ensure that the next generation of girls can grow up free from the threat of violence.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on the same date every year. In 2026, the observance will take place on:
Date: February 6, 2026 Day of the Week: Friday Countdown: There are 34 days remaining until this important advocacy event.
This is a fixed date holiday. Regardless of the calendar year, the global community recognizes February 6 as the focal point for anti-FGM efforts. This consistency allows international bodies like the UN, WHO, and UNICEF, along with U.S.-based organizations like Equality Now and the U.S. Department of State, to plan long-term campaigns and measure progress toward the ultimate goal of total eradication by 2030.
The roots of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation trace back to the early 21st century. The day was officially established in 2003 following a campaign by Stella Obasanjo, the then-First Lady of Nigeria and spokesperson for the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation. On February 6, 2003, she made an official declaration on "Zero Tolerance to FGM" in Africa during a conference organized by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC).
The United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights later adopted this day as an international awareness day. In 2012, the UN General Assembly took a monumental step by adopting Resolution A/RES/67/146, which "calls upon States, the United Nations system, civil society and all stakeholders to continue to observe 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and to use the day to enhance awareness-raising campaigns and to take concrete actions against female genital mutilation."
In the United States, the history of this day is intertwined with the country's legislative journey to protect women and girls. The U.S. government has long condemned FGM as a form of gender-based violence. Significant milestones include the 2015 statements from the White House, the Department of Justice, and USAID, which reaffirmed the nation's commitment to ending the practice both at home and abroad. These federal recognitions have helped elevate the day from a niche human rights concern to a major component of U.S. foreign policy and domestic public health strategy.
The scale of FGM is staggering. Research indicates that over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM. Each year, approximately 4.4 million girls are at risk of being subjected to the practice—which translates to more than 12,000 girls every single day. While the practice is most prevalent in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, it is a global phenomenon.
In the United States, the risk of FGM is primarily found within immigrant and refugee communities originating from regions where the practice is traditional. While the overall prevalence in the U.S. is low compared to high-prevalence countries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that hundreds of thousands of women and girls in the U.S. have either undergone the procedure or are at risk of it. This has led to the emergence of "vacation cutting," where families living in the U.S. take their daughters back to their home countries during school breaks to have the procedure performed. The International Day of Zero Tolerance serves as a crucial reminder to U.S. law enforcement and child protective services to remain vigilant during these periods.
Observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in the U.S. is an exercise in advocacy, education, and community engagement. Because it is a solemn day, there are no parades or festive celebrations. Instead, the focus is on meaningful action and discourse.
It is important to understand the legal framework that supports the "Zero Tolerance" stance in the U.S. FGM is illegal under federal law.
18 U.S. Code § 116 is the primary federal statute. It prohibits:
The theme for the International Day of Zero Tolerance often focuses on accelerating progress. While the specific theme for 2026 will be finalized closer to the date, it is expected to follow the trajectory of previous years, such as "Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM."
The focus for 2026 will likely be on: Survivor-Led Initiatives: Empowering those who have experienced FGM to lead the movement for change. Multisectoral Collaboration: Ensuring that health, education, and legal sectors work together seamlessly. Men and Boys: Encouraging male allies to challenge the patriarchal norms that sustain FGM. Funding: Calling for increased investment in grassroots organizations that are on the front lines of the fight.
The UN has set a goal to eliminate FGM globally by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 5.3). To reach this target, the rate of progress must increase 27-fold. Therefore, the observances in 2026 will be characterized by a sense of urgency.
The medical community in the United States uses February 6 to educate the public on the devastating health impacts of FGM. Because FGM is often performed without anesthesia in non-sterile environments, the immediate risks include: Severe pain and shock. Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage). Infections, including tetanus and HIV. Death from blood loss or infection.
The long-term consequences are equally harrowing and can last a lifetime: Chronic pain and recurring urinary tract infections. Painful menstruation and vaginal discharge. Complications during childbirth, which can lead to maternal and neonatal death. Sexual dysfunction. Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
By highlighting these medical realities, advocates in the U.S. emphasize that FGM is not just a cultural "choice" but a physical assault with permanent consequences.
If you are a visitor, an expat, or a resident in the United States on February 6, 2026, here is what you should know:
| Aspect | US-Specific Details | | :--- | :--- | | Legal Status | Strictly illegal under 18 U.S. Code § 116 (Federal Law). | | Risk Prevalence | Concentrated in specific immigrant communities; estimated hundreds of thousands at risk or affected. | | Key Players | Department of State, USAID, DOJ, Equality Now, Sahiyo, and various refugee assistance groups. | | Primary Goal | Global eradication by 2030; domestic protection of at-risk girls. | | Type of Observance | Advocacy, education, and survivor support; no public festivities. | | 2026 Date | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
It is important to clarify that the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is not a public holiday in the United States.
Work and School: Schools, universities, and private businesses remain open. Employees are expected to work their regular hours. Government Offices: Post offices, courts, and DMV offices operate normally. Public Services: Public transportation follows its standard Friday schedule for February 6, 2026.As we approach February 6, 2026, the United States continues to stand with the international community in its resolve. The 34 days remaining until the observance serve as a window for organizations to finalize their strategies and for the public to prepare to engage with this vital cause. The ultimate hope is that through continued zero tolerance, the world will eventually reach a point where February 6 is a day to look back on a practice that has been successfully consigned to history.
Common questions about International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in United States
In 2026, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation will be observed on Friday, February 6, 2026. There are currently 34 days remaining until this important global advocacy day. This annual event, established by the United Nations, serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect the human rights of girls and women and to eliminate this harmful practice worldwide by the year 2030.
No, it is not a public holiday in the United States. Federal and state government offices, schools, post offices, and private businesses remain open and operate on normal schedules. Because this is a United Nations-sponsored awareness day rather than a celebratory public holiday, there are no closures of banks or public transportation. It is considered a solemn day of advocacy and education focused on human rights and public health rather than a day off from work or school.
FGM is strictly illegal in the United States under federal law (18 U.S. Code § 116). This law prohibits performing the procedure on minors within the U.S. and also bans 'vacation cutting,' which is the practice of transporting a girl abroad for the purpose of undergoing FGM. The U.S. Department of State and USAID classify FGM as a form of violence against women and a serious human rights violation. Many states have also enacted their own specific laws to further criminalize and prevent the practice at the local level.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was established in 2003 by the United Nations and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary purpose is to raise awareness about the severe health risks associated with FGM—including chronic pain, infections, and mental health trauma—and to advocate for its total eradication. With over 230 million survivors globally and millions of girls still at risk annually, the day serves to mobilize international efforts and resources to meet the UN's goal of ending the practice by 2030.
In the United States, observance focuses on education and policy advocacy rather than festivities. Activities are typically led by human rights organizations, healthcare providers, and immigrant advocacy groups. Common events include webinars, panel discussions, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #Unite2EndFGM and #EndFGM. Organizations like the Center for Global Law and Justice and various refugee support groups often host forums to discuss survivor-led initiatives and to urge the government to strengthen protections for at-risk communities.
There are no traditional celebrations, parades, or family gatherings associated with this day because it is a solemn occasion focused on ending a human rights violation. The 'customs' of the day involve professional and civic engagement, such as sharing educational resources, releasing official government statements of condemnation, and highlighting the voices of survivors. It is a day for solidarity and community outreach, particularly within immigrant and refugee communities where the risk of the practice may be higher due to cultural traditions from their regions of origin.
While themes are updated annually, the focus for 2026 continues the momentum of 'Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM.' This theme emphasizes the need for multisectoral collaboration between governments, civil society, and international bodies like UNFPA and UNICEF. The goal is to accelerate the rate of progress 27-fold to meet the 2030 elimination target. In the U.S., this translates to building stronger partnerships between federal agencies like USAID and local community leaders to protect vulnerable girls.
Visitors and expats should be aware that there will be no travel disruptions or changes to tourist attractions on February 6. If you wish to participate, the best approach is to join virtual advocacy events or attend public lectures at universities or NGOs. It is important to remain respectful and sensitive to the trauma survivors may have experienced. Avoid treating the day as a festive holiday; instead, view it as an opportunity to learn about global human rights efforts and how the U.S. supports international health and safety standards.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation dates in United States from 2010 to 2025
| Year | Day of Week | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday | February 6, 2025 |
| 2024 | Tuesday | February 6, 2024 |
| 2023 | Monday | February 6, 2023 |
| 2022 | Sunday | February 6, 2022 |
| 2021 | Saturday | February 6, 2021 |
| 2020 | Thursday | February 6, 2020 |
| 2019 | Wednesday | February 6, 2019 |
| 2018 | Tuesday | February 6, 2018 |
| 2017 | Monday | February 6, 2017 |
| 2016 | Saturday | February 6, 2016 |
| 2015 | Friday | February 6, 2015 |
| 2014 | Thursday | February 6, 2014 |
| 2013 | Wednesday | February 6, 2013 |
| 2012 | Monday | February 6, 2012 |
| 2011 | Sunday | February 6, 2011 |
| 2010 | Saturday | February 6, 2010 |
Note: Holiday dates may vary. Some holidays follow lunar calendars or have different observance dates. Purple indicates weekends.