By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
In recognition of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), ActionAid Liberia has made a heartfelt appeal to the government, led by President Nyumah Boakai, to enforce stronger laws and policies to combat the practice of FGM.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a global event celebrated on February 6 every year, aims to raise awareness and promote the elimination of this harmful practice.
Willette Selu, the program coordinator for ActionAid, speaking at the end of the event expressed the importance of collaboration with traditional leaders, stating they are the custodians of the culture we aim to change. She maintained that this collaboration is crucial for any sustainable progress in the fight against FGM.
During the event, ActionAid Program Director called on the government to renew the moratorium on FGM, which had expired on February 5, 2025. This moratorium is vital for safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls in the country.
“We will closely follow up with the government to ensure that these laws are enacted so that women and girls can live healthy and happy lives,” Selu added.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance is “Her Voice, Her Future.” This theme resonates deeply with the mission of ActionAid to empower women and girls.
The organization believes that eliminating FGM will give women a voice and encourage girls to remain in school.
The event celebrated success stories from former FGM practitioners who have chosen to abandon the practice.
They expressed their commitment to preserving cultural heritage through traditional arts, crafts, and dance rather than through harmful practices. This shift shows that positive change is possible within communities.
Further, the ActionAid program Director disclosed that their institution has been implementing projects in Liberia for six years with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
Since the project began, they have documented 460 former FGM practitioners who have chosen to embrace alternative livelihoods and empower themselves.
She unveiled that Local clubs and organizations have emerged from these efforts, focusing on education and raising awareness about the dangers of FGM in Bong County. In her mind, collaboration with traditional chiefs and elders has also been a significant step towards finding common grounds and creating sustainable solutions.
Despite the challenges of shrinking donor support, ActionAid remains committed to its mission. The organization plans to focus on community-led solutions to ensure that efforts to end FGM are sustainable and impactful.
“Ending harmful practices is not just a foreign conversation; it is a local issue that affects our community,” Selu emphasized.
She pointed out the need to empower women and girls to drive societal change and improve their livelihoods.
Joe Smith, a participant at the event, shared his thoughts on the importance of women’s involvement in the fight against FGM.
“We need to motivate our people to end practices like FGM. It should be done willingly, not by force,” he stated.
Smith emphasized the role of education in empowering the next generation. He encouraged communities to support girls in their education, highlighting that an educated society is crucial for progress.
ActionAid Liberia aims to continue supporting women involved in FGM practices by educating communities about the harmful effects. They stress the importance of raising awareness across the country to eliminate gender-based violence.
The organization calls upon the government to take action and work closely with communities to create a safer future for women and girls. “Together, we can lift Liberia to new heights by ending harmful practices and promoting healthy, educated societies,” Smith concluded.
As Liberia observes this crucial day, the message is clear: the fight against FGM requires a collective effort, strong laws, and a commitment to empowering women and girls.
The ceremony was held on February 10, 2025, at the Gbarnga Women’s Center and brought together traditional leaders, students, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), amongst others.
