Traditional Leaders across Liberia has committed themselves to end harmful Traditional practices in Liberia. The practices including Female Genitals mutilation in the fifteen political Sub-division of Liberia.
It can be record that the Council of Chiefs, Zoes agreed to temporarily suspend the practices in Montserrado County for the next three years. On Tuesday February 6, 2023 during the celebration of International Day of zero tolerance on Female Genitals mutilation, Liberia went down in history.
The Head of the Traditional Council along with other Chief and Elders announced the end of the harmful practices in the country mainly FGM. Speaking at the occasion, the National Traditional Chairperson of the Republic of Liberia Chief Zanzan Karwor cautioned all heads of Zoes across the country to suspend the practice of FGM in the rural part of the country. He noted that the process of ending FGM practices in Liberia negotiation started during the Administration of former Liberian president Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf but it never materialize.
Chief Karwor lauded the government of Liberia and partners in ensuring that the harmful practices of FGM is eradicated. He at the same time cautioned the Weah’s Administration to support the Tasks Force Team in order to disseminate the information to the Rural part of the Country where the message is yet to reach. The Traditional Leader also pleaded with National government to provide subside for all heads of Zoes across the country as to avoid the continuous practices; he maintained that if the Zoes are not satisfied they might likely return to the bushes something that will undermine the efforts of the government and partners. The Traditional Council Chairperson claimed that if funds are provided for Zoes they will better their lives and be able to support their children.
The Traditional Queen of the Republic of Liberia Madam Juli Endee commended peers for working in line with the Liberian government and partners to end harmful traditional practices as such the FGM aspet. According to Queen Juli Endee, every country has a Tradition including the West. She used the occasion to inform the public that the Sande school is one of the Oldest Institutions in Liberia aimed at educating women in the area of Leadership, managing homes, patriotism, respect for elders amongst other.
Speaking on behalf of the government of Liberia, the Minister for Gender Children and social protection; Minister Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr lauded the Leadership of the National Traditional Council of Liberia for their intervention into finding an amicable solution to the FGM and pledged the government support to the process.
“As we celebrate zero tolerance against Female Genitals mutilation, it is essential to fight it holistically and to ensure that the practices is eradicated from our society.”
The day-long event brought together Traditional Leaders, officials of UN women, Civil society organizations, European Union, and government officials. At the climax of the ” Alternative Economic Livelihood Project for Females zoes in Todee District lower Montserrado County was officially Launched geared towards the capacity building of Rural Zoes women and girls.
