New York, 06 February 2020 – To mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, is organizing an interactive exhibition and event: “A Piece of Me” that sheds light on a harmful practice that is still prevalent in many parts of the world. 
 
Globally, 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and 68 million girls are at risk of being cut by 2030. Female genital mutilation endangers the health of women and girls and can lead to long-term physical, psychological and social consequences. 
 
The practice is rooted in gender inequalities, restricting girls and women from realizing their rights and potential in health education and income. In 2020 alone, 4.1 million girls around the world are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation. 
 
The A Piece of Me exhibition, co-hosted by the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Program on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation will consist of four components: 
 
1. A short film, curated by Ms. Sara Elgamal, split into a three-part, visually stunning art exhibition that follows three Ethiopian FGM survivors living in Afar, Ethiopia. The film will be shown in an enclosed cubic wall space. 
2. Wardrobe exhibition showing the garments showcased in the film. The wardrobe represents hope through life and movement and has been designed by Ms. Nadine Mosallam, Women’s wear and accessories designer. 
3. A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. 
4. Panel debate 
 

WHAT:         The “A Piece of Me” a three-part exhibition and panel session 

WHEN:         Thursday, 6 February 2020, 11:00AM – 12:00PM 

WHERE:    The United Nations Visitors’ Lobby, 46th Street entrance on First Avenue 

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For more information, please contact: 
 
Malene Arboe-Rasmussen:  +1 201 253 6679;  arboe-rasmussen@unfpa.org  
 
Eddie Wright: +1 917 831 2074; ewright@unfpa.org