The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection on September 18, 2024, expressed fear over the recent reports of graduation ceremonies of young girls from the Sande Bushes in Margibi and Nimba Counties. These reports signal a resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices in both counties.
The Ministry stated that it was informed that on September 14 and 15, 2024, separate public ceremonies were held where traditional women paraded unveiled girls from the Sande Bush and presented them to their families for reintegration into society.
In Margibi County, over thirty females, including minors and teenagers, were reportedly released from the Zenah Hill Sande Society School in Weala while another incident was reported in the Yarmie Administrative District, Nimba County, marking a concerning trend.
The Ministry intimated that the recent graduations directly undermine the government’s sustained efforts, in collaboration with partners, to eliminate FGM.
“The Ministry is shocked by this troubling development, especially in light of ongoing national efforts to eradicate FGM and protect the rights of women and girls in Liberia.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection views these incidents as deeply disheartening, as they directly undermine the government’s sustained efforts, in collaboration with partners, to eliminate FGM and uphold the dignity of women and girls.”
In furtherance, the government through the Ministry of Gender frowned on the reemergence of harmful practices, stating that FGM is a violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls.
“We categorically condemn the reemergence of these harmful practices and reiterate that FGM is a violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls. The practice carries severe health risks, including extreme pain, excessive bleeding, infection, heightened risk of HIV transmission, and even death.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against FGM and stated that it remains resolute in its commitment to collaborate with stakeholders and communities to achieve the complete eradication of FGM in Liberia.
The Ministry added that efforts are currently underway to engage with traditional leaders to reaffirm their commitment to ending FGM and ensuring the protection of women and girls.
It can be recalled, earlier this year, traditional leaders across Liberia, including those in Nimba County, symbolically surrendered their FGM tools to Chief Zanzan Karwor, the former Chairperson of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, in a demonstration of collective commitment to ending the practice.
As part of the broader strategy to eliminate FGM, the EU Spotlight Initiative 1.0 established heritage centers in Nimba, Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado Counties to provide alternative livelihoods for traditional practitioners, supporting their transition away from FGM-related activities. However, the next phase of the EU Spotlight Initiative, 2.0 is expected to address some of the notable gaps from 1.0.
Despite these efforts, a few counties have intentionally resumed FGM practices, disregarding their previous commitments to end the harmful tradition.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender calls on all relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents and take swift action to prevent further violations.
