Liberia’s first female to openly speak about the 28 effects of Female Genital Mutilation passed on in November 2022, and she will be buried today in Monrovia.
Phyllis Ngumba Kimba, a registered nurse by profession and the founder of the National Association on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Girls in Liberia (NATPAH), has rested following an illness that required her to seek treatment in Ghana, where the Lord called her to eternal sleep. She is the first iron lady who braved to speak on the effects of Female Genital Mutilation in Liberia publicly. Despite her Logan town house getting burnt in the 90s, she continued to educate the public on the impact of FGM. Her struggle has given birth to more than 10,000 old and young women, including the former President of Liberia; Madam Ellen Sirleaf, the Vice President of Liberia; Madam Jewel C. Taylor, the current Minister of Gender; Madam Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr, among others. NATPAH is working withthe government of Liberia, ActionAid Liberia other INGOs, CSOs, CBOs and other community structures towards ending the FGM practice in Liberia
Her advocacy to eradicate FGM in Liberia has led to a three-year ban on the operation of traditional schools in Liberia, which elapses in 2024.
Female Genital Mutilation refers to the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM has no health benefits and is extremely harmful. UN Women in Liberia noted that the practice is a gross violation of human rights.
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