The world is standing up against FGM

Learn more about the harmful traditional practice and the global goal to end it by 2030

The United Nations reports an estimated 200-million girls and women alive today have fallen victim to a form of female genital mutilation (FGM), a traditional cultural practice involving altering or injuring genitalia for non-medical reasons.

This week, as we commemorate an international day dedicated to eradicating the practice by 2030, we remember victims like Abida Dawud. “My flesh has been taken away, but I can never give away my heart,” she’s quoted as saying by the United Nations.

At Children Believe, we educate communities about the harmful physical and mental repercussions of FGM. In Burkina Faso, there have been marches held protesting the practice and people who formerly carried out the ritual are now speaking against it.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is Thursday, Feb. 6.

Sponsor a child today, and give them a better tomorrow.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

 

About Inspiring Stories

July 2025

Post G7 Aftermath: Why we Need to Keep Pushing for...

Why Canada must lead on global education: a call for bold action post-G7 to prevent conflict, foster peace, and invest in children’s futures.

July 2025

What does freedom mean?

This Nelson Mandela Day, discover what freedom means through the eyes of a child—and why education is the most powerful tool to unlock it.

June 2025

Children Believe’s Canadian journey

Celebrate Canada Day with Children Believe as we honour our Canadian roots, generous supporters, and a legacy of compassion creating change worldwide.