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February 6, 2007 International Day for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

by Jude MacDonald | February 6, 2007

“Today, during the next 24 hours, an estimated 6,000 girls will undergo the practice of female genital mutilation or cutting ... As the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, I would like to pay tribute to the countless women, men and youth in many countries, who are working to end the practice ... Perhaps more than any other issue, female genital mutilation or cutting has taught us that change cannot be imposed from outside; it must come from within.”

— From a message of Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

This piece was first published on section15.ca’s predecessor site CoolWomen.