PRESS RELEASE
Parakou/Natitingou, March 25-26 and 28-29, 2024 – The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD), a women’s rights organization, will organize two dialogues on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with Traditional and Religious Leaders in Northern Benin. The dialogues will be held from March 25 to 26, 2024 in Parakou and from March 28 to 29, 2024 in Natitingou, with the support of the partner organization AWDF.
These dialogues aimed to raise awareness among Traditional and Religious Leaders, influential authority figures in the communities of Northern Benin, about the harmful consequences of FGM on the health and well-being of women and girls. The goal is to obtain their commitment to fight against this harmful practice and to develop collaboration strategies with the RFLD to end FGM.
The dialogues will be actively attended by 70 Traditional and Religious Leaders, representatives of local government, members of the RFLD, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
FGM is a serious violation of the human rights of women and girls. It has devastating physical and psychological consequences, including chronic pain, infections, mental health problems, and childbirth complications. Traditional and Religious Leaders play a crucial role in Beninese society. They have a considerable influence on social norms and cultural practices. Their commitment to fighting FGM is therefore essential to ending this practice.
Dialogue participants will develop collaboration strategies to end FGM. These strategies include:
- Community awareness and education: The RFLD, in collaboration with Traditional and Religious Leaders, will organize awareness and education sessions on the dangers of FGM in communities.
- Community leader engagement: Community leaders will be sensitized and mobilized to play an active role in the fight against FGM.
- Support for victims: The RFLD will provide support to victims of FGM, including medical care, psychological support, and social reintegration.
- Advocacy for law change: The RFLD and its partners will continue to advocate for law change to criminalize FGM in Benin.
The dialogues to be organized by the RFLD are an important step in the fight against FGM in Benin. The commitment of Traditional and Religious Leaders is a major asset in ending this harmful practice. The RFLD and its partners will continue to work together to guarantee the rights and health of women and girls in Benin.
