International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2027
Saturday 6 February 2027
Dates can vary from year to year, so check the organiser’s website for the latest details.
The international day on 6 February supports efforts to end female genital mutilation, uphold rights and recognise survivor-led work.
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Dates and event details
Saturday 6 February 2027. Held every year on 6 February.
| Date status | Date calculated from a fixed annual pattern |
|---|---|
| Date-check source | Official UN or UN agency source |
| Where | International |
What is the focus of the day?
The United Nations observance brings attention to prevention, appropriate support and the work of communities, professionals and survivor-led organisations. UNFPA and UNICEF lead a joint programme on eliminating FGM. The day offers a shared occasion to learn from that work and support relevant, well-informed action.
The annual date is established, but a final 2027 campaign theme was not verified on 23 October 2026. The official UN page was inviting contributions to help shape the next theme. Earlier campaign wording should retain its original year rather than being labelled as the 2027 theme.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed annually on 6 February, including Saturday 6 February 2027. It supports efforts to end female genital mutilation, often shortened to FGM, and to uphold the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls. UN campaign pages also use “for” in the day’s title.
Ideas for schools and colleges
- Prepare the adults first. Ensure relevant staff know the setting’s safeguarding lead, procedures and approved resources before arranging learner activities.
- Use age-appropriate material. Choose a resource intended for the learners and have it reviewed through the setting’s usual process.
- Explain trusted support routes. Make clear how a pupil can speak privately to an appropriate adult. Keep individual concerns out of a public group discussion.
- Learn about rights and agency. Use suitable material that recognises women and girls as people with voices, choices and expertise, rather than as anonymous case studies.
Workplace and professional activities
Organisations with safeguarding responsibilities can use the date to check that staff can find current guidance and appropriate specialist training. Identify who owns the information and how updates are communicated. A brief awareness event can introduce a training need, but should not be presented as a substitute for role-specific professional learning.
Other workplaces may choose an optional information session or an authorised fundraiser for an established specialist organisation. State the purpose clearly and avoid using distressing images to attract attention. Make participation voluntary and provide a private route for questions about the organisation’s existing support arrangements.
Plan with appropriate expertise
FGM is a sensitive safeguarding and health subject. Use resources designed for the audience and follow the setting’s existing safeguarding arrangements. A general awareness session should not ask anyone to disclose personal experiences or suggest that a person is affected because of their nationality, religion or family background.
When working with a specialist or survivor-led organisation, ask what contribution would be useful and agree the scope. Their expertise can help shape language, materials and the way questions are handled. Recognise preparation time, agree any fee and obtain clear permission before recording or publishing a personal account.
Community participation and follow-up
A community group could share official campaign resources, host a carefully planned discussion with a relevant partner or support a project requested by a specialist organisation. Agree what will be shared publicly, who will respond to enquiries and how any donation will be collected and passed on.
Choose a practical result: a checked resource list, clearer access to training or a contribution to an agreed programme. Ask the partner whether the activity met its purpose and what continuing support would help. Keep the agreed contact and follow-up arrangements available to the organising team. Respectful awareness should increase understanding without making assumptions about individual people or inviting public disclosure.
Related dates include International Day of the Girl Child and International Women’s Day.
Source check: 23 October 2026. The annual date, campaign purpose and joint-programme role were checked against the official UN observance page and UNICEF materials. A 2027 theme remains unverified.
