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ADNews-Monrovia: Bong County has officially joined the national campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and is calling on international communities and national traditional leaders to support the county in becoming the second region, after Montserrado, to successfully abolish this harmful practice.
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, just two days after Montserrado County enacted a ban on FGM, the National Council of Chiefs and Traditional Leaders of Liberia (NACCEL), in collaboration with the UN System and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Liberia, hosted a community engagement event in Songkay Town, Montserrado County. The event aimed to hear from key stakeholders, including Zoes, mothers, men, and youth, about the successes and challenges faced in efforts to end FGM in Montserrado.
During the engagement, the Paramount Chief of Belleh Fannah Zota District in Bong County, Ms. Lorpu N. Kollie, delivered a passionate appeal to UN Women and their partners, urging them to visit Bong County immediately. She emphasized that the county is ready and eager to take decisive action to eradicate FGM.
Ms. Kollie highlighted that the county’s traditional practices are extensive, with over 100 activities in total, but stressed that abandoning FGM would not hinder their ability to generate income. “We need development, and right now, we want to see opportunities similar to those in Montserrado extended to Bong County,” she said.
The Paramount Chief expressed that Bong County is prepared to create a space for the construction of an empowerment center, similar to those established in Montserrado, which would help transform the local community. “We are ready and waiting for your support. This center would play a vital role in empowering our people and helping to further the campaign against FGM,” she added.
Ms. Kollie’s call for collaboration comes as Bong County seeks to strengthen its commitment to ending the harmful practice. She reiterated that the county’s leaders, along with the community, are united in their desire for change and development, and are eager to work with international partners to achieve this goal.
The fight against FGM in Liberia has gained significant momentum, with Montserrado leading the charge by banning the practice. Bong County’s involvement marks an important step in extending this progress to other parts of the country.
The engagement event in Songkay Town also served as a platform to discuss the lessons learned from Montserrado’s experience, as well as the steps needed to ensure that FGM is completely eradicated in Liberia. Community leaders emphasized the importance of education and awareness to change attitudes and behaviors toward the practice.
During their Community engagement, the National coordinator from the National Council of Chief and Elders, Madam Cita Fofanah called on the UN Women and Partners to allow the Zoes to request for their needs but not to suggest to them when it comes to agreement.
She acknowledged the UN system to upgrade their ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC LIVELIHOOD PROJECT FOR FEMALE ZOES in Songkay Town that will include dormitory and safe drinking water in order to make the facility comfortable for them.
However, the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to end FGM and early Child marriage, Amb. JAHA DUKUREH assures her commitment to doing everything she can to support the Women of Liberia.
According to her, It’s not enough to end FGM without helping women but to Support them and build a resilient work they can be part of, so they can’t be left behind.
Ambassador Dukureh called on the government, private sectors and the World at large to invest more in Women for positive transformation and equality for all.
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