To end FGM : Arab boys and men speak out
Call
Boys and Men: A Force for Change to Eradicate the Practice in the Arab Region
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Date
6 February 2025
Hour
Location
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.
