Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-14 01:35:00
Liberia is taking a significant step towards ending the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a female lawmaker, Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, announced plans to criminalize the practice in the West African nation. With a population of 5 million people, Liberia has been working towards protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls by shedding light on the detrimental effects of FGM on their physical and mental health.
Representative Mensah made this announcement during a regional consultative workshop on the Role of Traditional, Cultural, and Faith Leaders in Ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Monrovia. She emphasized the importance of traditional leaders’ support in ending the practice of FGM and called for their collaboration in petitioning the legislature to criminalize the practice.
Currently, 31.8% of Liberian women and girls are living with the consequences of FGM, with many more at risk. While President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf signed an executive order in 2018 banning FGM on girls under 18 years old, the temporary ban expired in 2019. Despite efforts to curb the practice, including the introduction of two anti-FGM bills in Parliament, the lack of a specific law criminalizing FGM has allowed the practice to persist in certain communities.
Traditional leaders in Liberia have declared their support for the legislation to criminalize FGM, paving the way for its enactment. However, challenges remain, as highlighted by cases such as the Ruth Berry Peal Case and the tragic death of Zaye Doe during a forced mutilation in the Sande bush. These incidents demonstrate the urgent need for legislation to put an end to the practice and hold perpetrators accountable.
In addition to the lawmaker’s efforts, UN Women Country Representative Comfort Lamptey emphasized the importance of collaboration in eradicating FGM from Liberia. She stressed the need for lawmakers, leaders, and communities to work together to change mindsets and approaches towards violence against women. This collaborative approach was evident during the engagement between the UN Women’s Country Representative, Senate Pro-Tempore Yonblee Kangar Lawrence, and Representative Moima Briggs Mensah on International Women’s Day.
As Liberia moves towards criminalizing FGM, it marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls. The support of traditional leaders, lawmakers, and the community is crucial in this endeavor. By working together, Liberia can bring an end to the harmful practice of FGM and ensure a safer and healthier future for its women and girls.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
