By: Kerper M Soclor
An advocate for unhindered access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), is calling for the criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) practices in the Country.
Rev. Joshua T. Flama, Head of a local civil society organization, Women Initiative for Self Help (WISH) said, the fight against harmful practices in Liberia such FGM will not be successful if there are no drastic legal instruments to hold perpetrators accountable.
Rev. Flama who operates his organization in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County FGM is deliberate human rights violation because it doesn’t respect people’s bodies autonomy.
Speaking Thursday in Congo Town at the ongoing National SRHR conference Rev. Flama aid why it is true that Liberia has made some progress regarding SRHR services, FGM remains a storming block.
He wants pepertractors to be dealt hasly as means of providing justice for hundreds of people, especially young women who are invitated without consent.
He observed that female genital mutilation is still widely being practiced in Liberia.
When quizzed about what he foresees as obstacles in criminalizing FGM, Rev. Flama cited political barrier where politicians do not want to lose a portion of the population (traditional people).
He admonished Liberians that if the country must break the barrier, stakeholders must use this conference as a wake up call in joining hands to petition National leaders to ensure that these laws are made and signed to fasten the fight against FGM in Liberia.
Rev. Flama strengthening sexual & Health and females genital mutilation abandonment advocacy in Grand Bassa county are some of the significant progress his organization has made in helping national government and communities.
