Each year, the United Nations Observes International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February. In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice. 2025 Theme is "Step up the Pace; Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM"
https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply harmful practice that affects women and girls worldwide, including in Pakistan. The impact on women and girls with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, is even more severe due to their increased vulnerability and the lack of awareness and resources to protect them.
In Pakistan, FGM is practiced in certain communities, such as the Dawoodi Bohra and Sheedi communities, often under the guise of cultural and religious traditions. The practice is carried out in secrecy, making it difficult to gather accurate data and raise awareness about its prevalence and impact.
Women and girls with intellectual disabilities are particularly at risk because they are not fully understood by the parents or family. The stigma and discrimination faced by the families of women and girls with disabilities in Pakistan can further exacerbate their vulnerability and motivation to incline for Genital Mutilation.
The United Nations and various organizations are working to eliminate FGM and protect the rights of women and girls with disabilities. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of raising awareness, collecting data, and implementing policies to protect these vulnerable groups.
It's crucial to continue advocating for the rights and protection of women and girls with disabilities, ensuring they may be protected from such harmful practices.
Here is video from UN.
**Content Warning: This post contains discussions of disability rights and assitive technologies. Reader discretion is advised.**
