Nineteen administrative areas in the Molqui sub-zone of Eritrea have officially declared an end to female genital mutilation (FGM).
According to UNICEF, Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
As of 2024, it is estimated that more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) across 31 countries. This practice is concentrated in western, eastern, and north-eastern Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia.
Mr. Zeray Berhe, Administrator of the sub-zone during a stakeholders meeting stated that a task force has been established to strengthen public awareness of female genital mutilation and its consequences. “Thanks to these continued efforts, 61 villages in the sub-zone have now declared themselves free from this harmful practice, he stressed.
Mr. Tesfagebriel Gebreselasie, Acting Head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, explained that efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation and other harmful practices have been ongoing since 2007. He added that this initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Labor and Social Welfare and Health, the National Union of Eritrean Women, as well as local administrations in the sub-zone.
Participants in the meeting expressed their commitment to remain vigilant to ensure that this harmful practice does not resurface.
Source: L’africaine/Forshes News
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