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The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) on 6th February 2026 joined key stakeholders at a high-level consultation commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), held at the Miatta Civic Centre.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to ending FGM, describing the practice as a grave violation of human rights and a critical national development concern. She emphasised that FGM undermines the health, dignity, and future potential of girls and young women and called for sustained political will, coordinated action, and long-term investment to eliminate the practice.
The Minister highlighted notable progress achieved through community-led initiatives, citing the 2023 public renunciation of FGM by sixty (60) Soweis who voluntarily handed over their tools and regalia. She described this milestone as a powerful demonstration that cultural traditions can evolve in ways that safeguard the rights and well-being of girls while preserving positive cultural values.
The consultation, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, other United Nations Agencies, the Embassy of Iceland, and the European Union, also marked the official launch of the Survivor-Led Advocacy Movement. This initiative places survivors at the centre of advocacy, policy dialogue, and community engagement, ensuring that lived experiences inform prevention and response efforts.
Discussions further underscored the importance of strengthened child protection laws, the forthcoming National FGM Strategy, the promotion of alternative rites of passage, and strengthened partnerships with civil society organisations and traditional leaders. Collectively, these measures are expected to accelerate national efforts toward the elimination of FGM and contribute to achieving the target of ending the practice by 2030.
MoGCA reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to protect the rights of girls and women and to promote a society free from harmful practices.
