International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM Bawso Event

Bawso is proud to host its annual Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Knowledge Exchange Event on 6 February 2026, from 09:30 to 13:00, at the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room, Guildhall, Swansea. The event marks the UN International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, a global call to action to end one of the most severe forms of violence against women and girls.

Bringing together key stakeholders from the Welsh Government, statutory agencies, third sector and the community, the event will provide a collaborative platform for reflection, learning and strategic discussion.

Globally, FGM continues to affect millions. UNICEF (2024) reports that more than 230 million women and girls have undergone FGM which is a 15% rise in prevalence. Alarmingly, the number of girls at risk is expected to reach 4.6 million by 2030, equating to approximately 12,000 girls at risk every day. In the UK, data remains limited, with estimates still citing 137,000 survivors, underscoring the need for improved data collection to support effective prevention and protection.

This event offers an important opportunity to review achievements, identify gaps and strengthen multi-agency safeguarding approaches. FGM is not an isolated issue; it is part of a wider continuum of violence that demands collective action, culturally informed practice and sustained commitment.