Anti- FGM Advocate Meets Top Government Officials

September 2, 2010

The Informer (Monrovia)

The Organizational Manager of the Inter-African Committee (IAC) on traditional practices affecting the health of women and children, Mr. Alemayhn Asseta Wednesday, August 25, 2010 paid a courtesy call on Acting Information, Culture and Tourism Minister, Norris Tweah on Capitol Hill.

During the meeting, Mr. Asseta called on the Government of Liberia to join the advocacy and fight against harmful traditional practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) among others practices that threaten the health of women and children.

In response, Minister Tweah welcomed the mission of the IAC, stressing that any practices against the dignity and health of another human persons, particularly women and children should be denounced by every civilized persons and governments the world over.

Minister Tweah further noted that the Government of Liberia is supportive of the protection of women and children rights, dignity and development.

The IAC executive has also been met with several officials of government and other relevant organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for possible collaboration.

In addition, Mr. Asseta has held discussions with women groups and staff of the National Association on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health (NATPAH) of women and children in a bid to devise means for the improvement of the association and the strengthen advocacy for women and children rights and protection.

The Inter-African Committee on traditional practices against the health of women and children is the parent body of the NATPAH. The IAC has offices in Geneva, Switzerland and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

IAC Organizational Manager has been on an assessment visit to Liberia since August 21. Mr. Asseta is expected to depart the country this weekend.