A Future Without Scars

“My voice, and the voices of young people, must break the silence and remind the world of the strength of women.” Bayadir, Youth Ambassador

Every day, millions of girls and women live with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision. FGM involves the alteration of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and leaves deep and lasting scars, both physical and psychological. Worldwide, an estimated 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM. Each year, another 4 million girls remain at risk, including girls living in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, FGM is considered a serious form of child abuse and is punishable by law, regardless of whether the procedure takes place within the country or abroad.

A Future Without Scars is a powerful photo campaign initiated by Youth Ambassadors of GGD Haaglanden. Through this campaign, and in collaboration with partner organizations, they work to make female genital mutilation a subject that can be openly discussed and to contribute to a future free from violence and lasting harm.

The exhibition was developed by GGD Haaglanden together with Youth Ambassadors and forms part of The Hague’s approach to harmful practices. It highlights how residents, professionals, and key community figures in The Hague work together on prevention, protection, and breaking the silence.

On February 6, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the exhibition reflects on the impact of FGM. For many girls and women, this practice means a lifetime of pain, sometimes visible, but often hidden as a psychological scar.

A Future Without Scars invites visitors to pause and listen. Through awareness and empathy, the exhibition shows that every voice matters in creating a safer future for girls and women.