The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), commemorated this year’s the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
The event, themed “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and media representatives to reaffirm their commitment to ending the harmful practice.
Discussions at the forum addressed the complex challenges faced by women and girls and underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach to eradicate FGM.
In her welcome address, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of MoGCSP, emphasized that, FGM remains one of the most terrible violations of the rights of women and girls, causing irreversible physical, psychological, and social harm, therefore the Ministry in collaboration with it partners remains firm in its mission to eliminate FGM.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasized the urgency of collective action to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.
“FGM is a violation of human rights, a form of gender-based violence, and a major barrier to achieving gender equality,” she stated.
She reiterated that FGM has no health benefits but rather inflicts severe physical, psychological, and social consequences on survivors.
She highlighted the risks of chronic pain, infections, childbirth complications, and, in severe cases, death.
“Psychologically, it leaves survivors with deep trauma and a lasting sense of violation. Socially, it reinforces gender inequality and deprives women and girls of opportunities to thrive,” she added.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting every woman and girl in Ghana and beyond from harmful cultural practices.
UNFPA Deputy Country Representative, Dr. Emily Afanbo, also stressed the need to strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to eliminate FGM.
She urged traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful norms and encouraged young people to lead advocacy efforts.
Civil society and development partners were also called upon to invest in sustainable interventions to eradicate FGM.
The Minister concluded by calling for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach, involving policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth, and the media. She urged all stakeholders to challenge deep-rooted cultural norms and promote positive alternatives that uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls.
As Ghana joins the global community in marking this significant day, the collective resolve to end FGM remains stronger than ever.
The commitment to ensuring a future where every woman and girl can live free from the threat of FGM continues to drive efforts toward gender equality and human rights.
Source – MoGCSP
