Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-04-08 06:08:38
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. Liberia’s Health Minister, Dr. Louise Kpoto, has emphasized the detrimental effects of FGM and the need for intensive advocacy efforts to end this practice. Speaking at a panel discussion on FGM, Minister Kpoto shared heart-wrenching stories of survivors and called for decisive steps, including a legislative ban on FGM in Liberia.
Deputy Gender Minister Laura Golakeh echoed the urgency of combatting FGM, highlighting the health risks and emotional trauma associated with this practice. She emphasized the need for proactive engagement from partners and stakeholders to end FGM, which is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and is a form of violence against women and girls.
Golakeh pointed out that nearly 200 million individuals worldwide are impacted by FGM and highlighted the immediate health risks such as infections, excruciating pain, and severe complications. She stressed that FGM is a human rights violation and reflects a deep-rooted gender inequality, calling for legislative action to ban this harmful practice.
UN Women’s Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey, emphasized the global recognition of FGM as a harmful traditional practice and the need for legislative action to address it. She highlighted the alarming statistic that over 38% of females in Liberia have undergone FGM, despite international mandates calling for its abolition.
The panel discussion also addressed the need for a law to ban FGM in Liberia, with plans in place to work with the Legislature to pass such legislation. The World Health Organization, UN Women, and the Ministry of Health are collaborating to raise awareness about the health implications of FGM and strengthen advocacy efforts to eradicate this harmful practice.
Globally, more than 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, causing irreversible physical and psychological harm. The international community recognizes the immediate need to end FGM and calls for legislative action to protect the rights of women and girls. As efforts continue to raise awareness and advocate for the eradication of FGM, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to end this harmful practice and ensure the well-being of women and girls worldwide.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
