In 2003, the UN designated 6 February as World Day for Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation. This brutal practice, which is widespread in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, targets women and causes severe physical and psychological trauma. Female genital mutilation is usually carried out by female relatives, often without anaesthesia and without observing basic hygiene rules. This procedure causes irreversible damage and leaves lifelong trauma. According to the WHO, around 3 million girls are subjected to this practice every year, while the UN estimates that the number reached 4.4 million in 2004. Even more shockingly, a recent study estimates that up to 44,000 girls are killed each year as a result. The international community agrees that this practice is unacceptable and cannot be excused on the grounds of cultural differences. Although the practice is already banned in most of the countries concerned, compliance is still questionable. Our partner, the Close to Africa Foundation, works to ensure that no woman in Africa has to live mutilated and uneducated in a forced marriage. A partnership between one of Hungary's leading pharmaceutical companies and the Africa Differently Foundation has resulted in the House of Hope Women's Centre.
