Advancing the Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation: Insights from Safe Haven’s Webinar on International Day of Zero Tolerance

On February 24th, 2024, we at Safe Haven Cameroon, in partnership with Lead Child Africa and Beauty for Ashes Kenya hosted a pivotal webinar on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. This virtual event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including experts, activists, policymakers, and community leaders, all united in their commitment to eradicating the harmful practice of FGM.

The discussions during the webinar delved deep into various aspects of FGM, shedding light on critical topics such as the cultural contexts of FGM across Africa, the impact on women and girls, intersecting issues with gender equality, and innovative approaches utilizing technology and media. Furthermore, speakers shared insights on the progress and challenges surrounding legislation and legal frameworks, the pivotal role of NGOs and civil society in driving policy change, the importance of engaging men as allies in changing perceptions on FGM, and the significance of international partnerships in supporting local advocacy efforts.

Despite the challenges faced, such as insufficient time allocation and limited engagement from participants, the webinar was deemed a success by attendees. The event served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, best practices dissemination, and advocacy for the eradication of FGM.