Zero Tolerance Day for Female Genital Mutilation 2026
Virgin Heart Foundation Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Female Genital Mutilation on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM
Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF) joins the global community today in commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the total eradication of all forms of FGM through sustained advocacy, education, and community engagement.
FGM remains a harmful practice that violates the fundamental human rights of girls and women, with devastating physical, psychological, and social consequences.
In line with this year’s global call for sustained commitment and investment towards ending FGM by 2030, Virgin Heart Foundation has continued to intensify grassroots and media-based interventions aimed at prevention and behavior change.
As part of activities leading up to today, Virgin Heart Foundation conducted a school sensitization programme at Penn Hill Secondary School, where students were educated on Female Genital Mutilation and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The session created a safe space for learning, dialogue, and empowerment, encouraging young people to become informed advocates against FGM within their communities.
In addition, the Foundation engaged the wider public through radio awareness programmes on Omalicha FM 91.1 and Echo FM 100.7, where discussions focused on the dangers of FGM, existing legal frameworks, and sustainability plans required to end the practice.
These media engagements emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, continuous funding, and community-led action in achieving lasting change.
Virgin Heart Foundation emphasizes that ending FGM is not a one-day event but a continuous process that requires education, strong partnerships, policy enforcement, and long-term investment.
Virgin Heart Foundation calls on government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and community members to strengthen collaboration and recommit to protecting girls and women from all forms of harmful practices.
Together, we can build a future where every girl grows up safe, healthy, and free from violence.
Virgin Heart Foundation is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the health, rights, and dignity of women and girls through advocacy, education, and community-based interventions, with a strong focus on ending Female Genital Mutilation.