Monrovia – A renewed legislative effort to formally eradicate Feminine Genital Mutilation, extensively often called FGM, has generated intense debate throughout the Home of Representatives, as a number of lawmakers voice warning about endorsing a measure that many conventional communities nonetheless regard as culturally delicate.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The controversy dominated plenary proceedings on Thursday through the tenth day sitting of the primary quarter of the third session of the fifty fifth Legislature. Lawmakers convened following in depth consultations performed throughout 5 counties, the place conventional leaders, rural girls’s teams, and civil society organizations weighed in on the proposed draft laws searching for to outlaw the apply.
The general public listening to, described by organizers as effectively attended and extremely participatory, attracted each nationwide and worldwide companions. It was spearheaded by the Home of Representatives Joint Committee on Gender, Schooling and Public Administration, Inside Affairs, and Judiciary.
Representatives from the European Union, UN Ladies, a number of civil society organizations, and the Ministry of Gender, Youngsters and Social Safety had been current to evaluate and validate findings gathered through the group consultations.
Based on stories offered through the session, the consultations revealed broad assist amongst individuals for the passage of the draft invoice aimed toward defending girls and women.
Regardless of the reported assist, some lawmakers stay hesitant. Representatives Steve Tequah of River County District 2, Momo Siafa Kpoto of Lofa County District 2, and Augustine Chiewolo of Lofa County District 5 described the invoice as a delicate matter that requires broader nationwide engagement earlier than any last legislative motion is taken.
For these lawmakers, the problem extends past the framework of a normal public well being or human rights invoice. They argue that discussions surrounding the elimination of FGM carry profound conventional and political implications, significantly for legislators representing predominantly indigenous communities the place the apply has long-standing cultural roots.
Consultant Augustine Chiewolo emphasised the significance of public schooling and gradual engagement. He acknowledged that if one thing is dangerous and must be stopped, the accountability of lawmakers is first to coach the individuals.
He added that attaining such a objective would require going the additional mile to make sure that communities totally perceive the implications of the proposed reform.
Consultant Chiewolo and others anchored their place in Article 1 of the Liberian Structure, which declares that each one energy is inherent within the individuals. Based on them, this constitutional provision necessitates broader consultations that stretch past the 5 counties already engaged in dialogue.
Consultant Steve Tequah echoed comparable considerations, noting that for lawmakers from deeply conventional districts, advocating for the abolition of FGM shouldn’t be a easy political determination.
He defined that addressing group members beneath a palaver hut and informing them that nationwide consensus calls for an finish to the reducing of the clitoris shouldn’t be an motion a politician would undertake frivolously, given the potential social and political penalties.
The consultations had been held beneath the banner “Born Good Grand Finale: From Neighborhood Dialogue to Nationwide Motion.” Organizers reported that almost all of group members consulted described FGM as harmful and dangerous, expressing assist for legislative measures to guard girls and women from the apply.
Talking on behalf of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Ladies and Women Safety Invoice, the Chairperson, Consultant Moima Briggs-Mensah of Bong County District 6, described the proposed Ladies and Women Safety Act as a landmark step towards safeguarding the dignity, security, and rights of ladies and women throughout Liberia.
Consultant Briggs-Mensah burdened that efficient implementation of the proposed regulation have to be guided by accountable and respectful messaging. She underscored the necessity to body the reform round safety, well being, human dignity, and alternative fairly than blame or condemnation of cultural practices.
She additionally emphasised the significance of cultural sensitivity, acknowledging longstanding traditions whereas constructively participating cultural establishments, together with the Sande society, as companions in selling well being, security, and empowerment.
Based on her, profitable implementation would require inclusive grassroots consultations to make sure communities are meaningfully concerned in shaping reforms and that ensuing insurance policies mirror lived realities.
She additional famous the significance of creating complete assist programs, together with schooling, entry to healthcare, various empowerment packages, and financial alternatives for girls and women, alongside sturdy authorized protections.
Consultant Briggs-Mensah added that strengthening the Ladies and Women Safety Act calls for a balanced and inclusive method, one that is still agency in its dedication to security and human rights whereas being culturally conscious, consultative, and united in objective.
In response to calls from some lawmakers to develop consultations to all fifteen counties earlier than continuing with passage of the invoice, the Home of Representatives reaffirmed its dedication to defending girls and women. Lawmakers indicated that reforms would proceed to be superior by dialogue, unity, and what they described as progressive nationwide motion.
