By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Correspondent
At a high-level consultation commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, 2026, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, reaffirmed the government’s steadfast dedication to ending FGM. She characterized the practice as a severe violation of human rights and a significant obstacle to national development.
During the event, held at the Miatta Civic Centre, Dr. Mahoi emphasized that FGM compromises the health, dignity, and future opportunities of girls and young women. She called for sustained political will, coordinated efforts, and long-term investment to eliminate this harmful practice.
The consultation, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, other UN agencies, the Embassy of Iceland, and the European Union, also marked the official launch of the Survivor-Led Advocacy Movement. This initiative seeks to place survivors at the forefront of advocacy and policy dialogue, ensuring that their experiences shape prevention and response strategies.
Discussions at the consultation highlighted the need for stronger child protection laws, the development of a National FGM Strategy, the promotion of alternative rites of passage, and enhanced partnerships with civil society organizations and traditional leaders. These collective measures aim to accelerate national efforts to eradicate FGM and contribute to the goal of ending the practice by 2030.
The Ministry reasserted its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to protect the rights of girls and women and to foster a society free from harmful practices.
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