UN – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (Feb. 6, 2023)

On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, France calls for an immediate end to this form of sexual and sexist violence, which represents an intolerable attack on women’s and girls’ bodily integrity and a severe and unacceptable violation of their rights.

Equality between men and women, promoting the rights of women and girls, and combating sexual and gender-based violence are central to France’s feminist foreign policy.

France stands with civil society representatives and the UN in their fight against female genital mutilation and supports maternal and child health programs on the ground. Since 2019, we have supported the joint program conducted by UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA).

France and its partners are also implementing the commitments taken at the Generation Equality Forum (GEF) held in Paris during the summer of 2021. Co-chaired by Mexico and France under the auspices of UN Women, the GEF raised more than $40 billion and mobilized stakeholders worldwide through six Action Coalitions. France, which provided €400 million in financial support for women’s and girl’s health for 2021-2025, is fully abiding by all its commitments and continues to champion the Action Coalition on Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.