Monrovia, Liberia – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has condemned the recent incident in which several young girls were subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Zinnah Hill Bush area of Weala, Margibi County. This act occurred despite a nationwide ban on FGM that has been in effect since February 2022, representing a grave violation of both the law and the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals.
A disturbing video that has surfaced following weeks of initiation into the bush school highlights the nature of this incident, which predominantly involved underage girls. WONGOSOL describes the actions of those responsible as both cruel and illegal, resulting in significant physical and psychological harm to the victims. The organization emphasizes that FGM is a harmful cultural practice with no medical benefits, posing serious health risks and contradicting various national and international legal frameworks to which Liberia is a signatory, including the Children’s Law (2011), the Maputo Protocol, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In light of this violation, WONGOSOL is calling on the Liberian government to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “The recent ban on FGM in Liberia was a victory for gender equality and women’s rights,” stated a WONGOSOL representative. “It is imperative that we do not allow isolated acts of defiance to undermine this progress.”
The organization expressed deep concern over the implications of this incident, viewing it as a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to protect the health, dignity, and future of young girls in Liberia. “As an organization committed to the rights of women and girls, we are disturbed by this flagrant violation of the law,” the representative added. WONGOSOL urges government officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to prioritize the enforcement of existing laws and ensure accountability for those responsible for this crime.
WONGOSOL also highlights the necessity of raising awareness and providing education within communities to combat the cultural and social pressures that perpetuate FGM. The organization calls on traditional leaders and stakeholders to collaborate in the eradication of this harmful practice, which has no place in a society that values the health, dignity, and rights of women and girls.
While acknowledging the efforts of the government, civil society, and international partners in advancing the protection of women and girls in Liberia, WONGOSOL warns that this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the work that remains. The organization stands in solidarity with the survivors and their families affected by this cruel act and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the complete eradication of FGM.
As Liberia moves forward, WONGOSOL says it remains dedicated to upholding the rights of women and girls, ensuring that harmful practices like FGM are permanently abolished. The organization calls on all Liberians to respect the dignity, health, and human rights of every woman and girl in society, emphasizing that the progress achieved thus far must not be undone.
