Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-05 00:23:00
A recent multi-stakeholder panel in Liberia engaged in a dialogue about the detrimental effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on the health, psychology, and well-being of women and girls in the country. The panel consisted of both local and international participants who came together to address the urgent need to end this harmful practice.
During the discussion, the panel explored the various challenges, consequences, and implications of FGM, emphasizing the importance of passing a Sexual Reproductive Law in Liberia to combat the practice through legal means, including provisions for safe abortion.
United Nations Women’s Country Representative of Liberia, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, highlighted the international efforts to ban FGM and emphasized the need for legislative action to address this harmful traditional practice. She revealed that globally, thousands of girls are at risk of FGM each day, with over 38 percent of females in Liberia having already undergone the procedure.
Ms. Lamptey referenced key international agreements such as the Human Rights Law, African Chapter on Human and People’s Rights, and the Maputu Protocol, all of which call for the elimination of harmful traditional practices like FGM. Despite Liberia being a signatory to these agreements, the practice continues unabated in the country.
The panel discussion, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with UN Women, UNFPA, and various government ministries, brought together a diverse group of local and international delegates. Notable attendees included Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto, Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Ms. Laura Golakeh, Senator Dabah M. Varpilah, and Culture Ambassador Julie Endee.
Dr. Kpoto urged the panel to consider legislative action to impose a moratorium or ban on FGM nationwide, underscoring its harmful nature and the urgent need for eradication. The event served as an important platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, propose solutions, and advocate for concrete measures to end the practice of FGM in Liberia.
In conclusion, the panel discussion on FGM in Liberia highlighted the dire need for action to protect the health, well-being, and rights of women and girls. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders and experts, the event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to address this harmful practice and enact meaningful change at the national level.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
