Donor Groups Steering Committee commends Ethiopia’s commitment in eliminating FGM

On Oct 9, 2023 123

Addis Ababa, October 9, 2023 (FBC) – The Steering Committee of the donor groups and UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have commended Ethiopia’s political commitment and success in eliminating FGM and early marriage across the nation.

The members of the Steering Committee expressed their appreciation to Ethiopia during a meeting presided over by the Minister of Women and Social Affairs of Ethiopia, Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD).

We met with the members of the Steering Committee of the Donor groups and UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

It is learned that the steering committee members form selected donor countries supporting the Joint Programme, such as Canada, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom, and the United States of America as well as representatives from UNFPA & UNICEF headquarters, government representative from Nigeria and Sudan attended the meeting.

Following the discussion, MoWSA Minister Ms. Ergogie confirmed that the meeting focused on the progress made towards the elimination of FGM in Ethiopia where the committee shared the feedback from the field visit that has been undertaken in Dalocha woreda at the Central Ethiopia Regional State.

“We are humbled by the positive feedback and appreciation forwarded by the members of the steering committee for the successful work that has been done throughout the country,” the Minister said via a social media post.

She further disclosed that the committee also appreciated the political commitment of the Ethiopian government for the effective coordination of sustainable prevention interventions and the community by law.

While concluding the meeting, they have agreed to continue the partnership in the joint programme on the elimination of FGM and Child Marriage to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 on the Elimination of Harmful Practices such as early and forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.