By Bill W. Cooper
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and partners have initiated a robust and systematic approach in its advocacy to champion the cause for the protection of women and girls across the Country.
Among other things, AFELL is providing support to the Ministry of Gender, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on Gender to address gender issues in Liberia, especially against the harmful practices of female genital mutilation.
Also, it is one in its series of engagements and processes relative to a nationwide consultations, revision and subsequent submission of the FGM Prohibition Bill for enactment by the National Legislature.
Day one of the session saw well knowledgeable people comprised of participants, mainly legal counsels from the Ministry of Gender, Human rights Commission, Law Reform commission, and the Ministry of Health respectively.
Giving the overview of the Draft FGM prohibition Bill, the House’s Committee Chairperson on Gender, Moima Briggs-Mensah said to succeed in the fight against FGM, the government has to be intentional with all hands on deck.
According to the Bong County District 6 Representative, the bill is in the interest of women and girls across the country, thus emphasizing that the practice violates a person’s right to health, security and physical integrity.
She said, “If we want to stop it once and for all, we can maintain our culture, we can have our programs and teach our children how to sing, dance, cook, and take care of their husbands and the following processes.”
The Lawmaker further indicated that they are not stopping the cultural aspect, but are stopping the harmful practices.
Deputy Gender Minister for Administration, Frederick Cooper however reaffirmed the Ministry’s fullest commitment in ensuring that the fight against FGM is eradicated from Liberia in years to come.
Earlier speaking, AFELL president, Philomena Williams said that the goal of the review focuses on the protection of females in the country, thus highlighting the harmful traditional practice was quick to emphasize the need for such to be eliminated.
She further stressed that politicians should not justify the practice to gain prominence at the detriment of young girls and women, and emphasized the need for the total involvement of relevant stakeholders in combating violence against women and girls across the country.
Meanwhile, as part of the two days events, participants as well as relevant stakeholders are also discussing cross cutting and other pressing national issues to include good governance, including maintaining the rule of law and stepping up efforts against female genital mutilation.
Also, the issue of addressing the education value chain, spanning from early childhood education to basic, secondary, higher education, and technical vocational education and training among others will be highlighted.