The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has strongly condemned the recent resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Weala, Margibi County, despite a three-year national ban on the practice.
WONGOSOL’s statement follows the emergence of a video showing young girls who were subjected to FGM after their initiation into a bush school.
The women’s advocacy group described this act as a severe infringement on children’s rights and a cruel violation of their well-being, particularly affecting underage girls.
The organization urges the Liberian government to thoroughly investigate this incident and hold those responsible for this harmful practice accountable.
WONGOSOL emphasized that this act undermines progress made in protecting girls’ health and dignity and highlights a significant setback in the fight against FGM.
FGM, deemed a harmful traditional practice, offers no medical benefits and poses serious risks to both physical and psychological health.
It contravenes both national and international human rights frameworks.
The recent ban on FGM was a crucial step forward for gender equality in Liberia, and such defiant actions threaten to reverse this progress.
WONGOSOL calls for rigorous enforcement of the FGM ban and encourages increased community awareness and education to dismantle the cultural and social pressures sustaining this practice.
The organization appeals to traditional leaders, community figures, and all stakeholders to collaborate in ending FGM.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the government, civil society, and international partners to protect women and girls, WONGOSOL emphasizes that more work is needed.
The organization remains dedicated to advocating for the complete eradication of FGM and stands in solidarity with the affected families.
WONGOSOL insists that Liberia must continue to uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls and ensure that harmful practices like FGM are eradicated from society.
