The event, under the theme “Towards 2030: No Ending Female Genital Mutilation Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” and organized by the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, will address emerging challenges and amplify the voices and leadership of survivors.
It brings together 200 participants, including representatives from Member States (Ministries of Health, Gender and Justice), Regional Economic Communities, civil society organizations, women’s rights groups, youth advocates and traditional leaders, United Nations agencies, and others.
The discussions aim to strengthen political commitment, highlight local progress and best practices, and reflect on the challenges hindering the elimination of female genital mutilation across the continent.
It also seeks to reaffirm the responsibility of African Union Member States to the Maputo Protocol and the Saleema Initiative, the latter designed to change the negative social regulations that underpin female genital mutilation.
The event’s program will feature innovative presentations led by young people and survivors of this harmful practice who have successfully reversed social norms in rural areas.
abo/iff/otf/nmr
