Remarks: Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Deliver Remarks Commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Notice to the Press
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
February 14, 2012

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On February 16 at 1:00 p.m., Secretary Clinton will deliver opening remarks at a State Department event commemorating the Ninth Anniversary of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

Following the Secretary, Representative Joe Crowley (NY-07) will also deliver remarks. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer will then moderate a panel discussion with leading experts and activists dedicated to the global effort to eradicate FGM/C and to raise awareness of its negative consequences on women, girls, families, and societies. The discussion will highlight the importance of fostering community-based approaches and engaging religious leaders and the Diaspora community to encourage abandonment of this harmful traditional practice.

Confirmed panelists: Molly Melching, Founder and Director of the nongovernmental organization Tostan; Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America; Thomas von der Osten-Sacken, General Manager of the German nongovernmental organization Association for Crisis Assistance and Development Co-operation (WADI); Nafissatou J. Diop Director of the United Nations Population Fund and United Nations International Children’s Fund Joint Programme on FGM/C; and Zeinab Eyega, Executive Director of the Sauti Yetu Center for African Women.

The event will be held in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room and will be streamed live on http://blogs.state.gov. The remarks will be open to the press.

Pre set for cameras 12:15 pm from the 23rd street lobby.

Final access for writers and still photographers 12:30pm from the 23rd street lobby.

Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) A U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or (3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver's license, passport).

Press contacts: Ann Kambara, Office of Global Women’s Issues or Office of Press Relations, U.S. Department of State (202) 647-2492.

ENDS