Gov’t, Partners Intensify Fight Against FGM, GBV -Celebrates International Day of Zero Tolerance For FGM

By Bill W. Cooper
The government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with partners, has joined the rest of the world in commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This global observance serves as a critical platform to reaffirm various countries collective commitment to ending FGM and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls everywhere.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on February 6, as the day was officially introduced in 2003 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF as part of their global campaign to eliminate FGM.
The day is also meant to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and to promote actions aimed at its eradication. FGM refers to all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, and internationally recognized as a violation of human rights.
Delivering the keynote address yesterday, February 6, 2025, Bong County District 6 Representative, Moima Briggs Mensah, reassured the women and the public in general of her commitment to ensure that a bill to abolish the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) be passed.
She said the FGM bill will be passed in a modified way, where the bad parts will be removed, and asserted, “The FGM Bill will be modified where the good ones will be practiced, instead of the bad ones.”
She explained other good practices within the Sande Society can be practiced by women (but didn’t give any details) this is why women’s center was built in Nimba to practice the good parts.
Rep. Briggs Mensah noted that on many occasions women are not given fair trials or judgment when they are abused by their male counterparts, so if the court is established it will only be charged to adjudicate domestic violence cases, despite the presence of Criminal Court ‘E’, which is also charged with the same responsibility.
She also urged the women to fight for 40% of every leadership position, instead of just concentrating on political positions, and added, “Let’s identify our interests by identifying the strategy men can use to dominate women in getting positions in the time of politics.”
Earlier giving the overview of the day, Deputy Gender Minister, Atty. Laura Golakeh said this year, the celebration is being held under the global theme: “Her Voice, Her Future”, highlighting the vital role of girls and women in advocating for their rights and shaping their futures.
According to her, in alignment with this, Liberia is observing the day under the national theme: “Her Voice, Her Future: Let’s Act Now by Ending FGM and Preserving Our Heritage”, which she said underscores the urgency of collective action in eliminating FGM while preserving the positive cultural values that define the society.
She maintained that the 2025 observance focuses on advocating for legislative measures and policy reforms to ban FGM, raising awareness and engagement with communities, traditional leaders, and youth on the risks of FGM, promote survivor voices and empowerment as well as strengthen collaboration among governments, civil society, and international organizations.
Atty. Laura Golakeh added that the Ministry remains resolute in its efforts to strengthen advocacy, policy implementation, and as well as community engagement to eradicate FGM in Liberia, asserting, “We call on all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organizations, media, and international partners, to join forces in this noble fight.”
Meanwhile, UN Women Liberia Country Rep., Comfort Lamptey, reading the UN Secretary General’s Message on FGM Day said Female genital mutilation is a horrific act of gender-based violence, as more than 230 million girls and women alive today are survivors of this abhorrent practice.
She noted that as one of the most brutal manifestations of gender inequality, female genital mutilation inflicts profound, lifelong physical and mental harm, carries life-threatening health risks, and violates the rights of women and girls to bodily autonomy, safety, and dignity.
She maintained, “Eradicating this vicious human rights violation is urgent, and it is possible, and as this year’s theme reminds us, we are making progress, but we must pick up the pace. We must strengthen global movements to break down harmful attitudes, beliefs and gender stereotypes.”
“And we need to bolster strong partnerships between Governments, grassroots organizations and survivors to supercharge efforts and eliminate this scourge by 2030. The Pact for the Future, agreed at the United Nations last September, includes a commitment by Member States to eliminate female genital mutilation by tackling negative social norms and gender discrimination.
Let’s join forces to make female genital mutilation a history and ensure a brighter, healthier, and more just future for all women and girls everywhere,” madam Lamptey added.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia, Karl Backéus, speaking on behalf of his Embassy, EU, and Embassy of Ireland called on traditional leaders to uphold the promises they have made to abandon FGM.
He said, “You are the custodians of culture, and culture is not static—it evolves to reflect the best values of society. So, protecting girls in Liberia is not a rejection of tradition; it is an affirmation of the value of the young girls and women in this country, an affirmation of a Liberia that values life, dignity, and progress.”