A Panel Discussion Commemorating the Tenth Anniversary for the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Live webcast URL: http://conx.state.gov/digital-diplomacy

February 6 marks the tenth observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, an internationally recognized day to foster awareness of the devastating effects of FGM/C and renew the call for the abandonment of this harmful traditional practice.

Join us for a live webchat discussion to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance and post your questions online.  This event will highlight successful efforts to address FGM/C, as well as to draw attention to the practice outside of Africa since it is known to also occur in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Diaspora communities.  The program will include a panel of experts and practitioners, as well as a discussion on programs and solutions to address this issue.

Background:  It is estimated that 100 to 140 million women around the world have undergone this brutal procedure and three million girls are at risk every year.  In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution titled, “Intensifying Global Efforts for the Elimination of
Female Genital Mutilation,” calling for international efforts to eliminate the harmful traditional practice.  Last year, Secretary Clinton hosted the first-ever event at the U.S. Department of State to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.

Format:  This program will be an interactive video webcast in English.  Please click on the URL above to participate. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.  Follow the conversation on Twitter @S_GWI or by using the hashtag #EndFGM/C