Description
On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM), which takes place on February 6, the crucial role of
men and boys in combating this devastating practice, which constitutes a
blatant violation of human rights, is emphasized. In many Arab countries,
including Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen, Iraq, Djibouti, and Somalia, efforts
to counter this practice continue. However, the role of men and boys remains
fundamental in achieving the desired change.
Recent studies indicate that men—whether fathers, husbands, grandfathers,
or brothers—play a decisive role in making decisions regarding FGM. Therefore,
their active involvement in fighting this phenomenon is an essential step
toward its elimination. In Egypt, for example, research has shown that men can
be powerful allies in this fight if they are accurately informed about the
health and psychological damages caused by the practice.
In Sudan, studies reveal that 64% of men do not support FGM, which opens
the door to encouraging this group to take a leading role in changing social
attitudes and reducing this practice. The involvement of men and boys in this
cause also represents a genuine opportunity to raise community awareness about
the consequences of FGM, including long-term health, psychological, and social
impacts.
In Mauritania, the national human rights strategy recently developed by the
government places youth at the heart of the battle against this scourge. The
government continues to strengthen legislation and conduct awareness campaigns
aimed at all sectors of society, especially men and boys. Their involvement
will contribute to promoting the social change necessary for achieving
sustainable development.
In Yemen, it is now clear that motivating men and boys to participate in
the fight against FGM is a decisive step toward sustainable progress. Thanks to
community initiatives involving collaboration between religious leaders and
local authorities, some regions in Yemen have started to break free from this
harmful practice.
In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, efforts by the government and civil
society organizations to combat FGM continue, with the involvement of men and
boys being an integral part of this campaign. Studies have shown that the
support and awareness of men regarding the risks of this practice can greatly
contribute to reducing its prevalence.
The expected change requires that men and boys take the lead in the fight
against FGM, both within families and at the community level. Their
participation in spreading awareness, supporting anti-FGM movements, and
influencing family decisions can play a decisive role in eradicating this
practice by 2030.
On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation,
we call on all men and boys in the Arab region to actively engage in these
efforts and to resolutely participate in the protection of women's and girls'
rights, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being.