OUAGADOUGOU—Nandy Somé/Diallo, the Minister of Solidarity, Humanitarian Action, National Reconciliation, Gender and Family, emphasized the need for continued efforts to prevent female genital mutilation (FGM) in Burkina Faso. In a statement released on the national day of fight against the practice of excision, Somé/Diallo urged all community members, including state and non-state actors and survivors, to remain vigilant and proactive in denouncing instances of FGM.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Somé/Diallo’s announcement coincided with the national commemoration, which takes place every May 18, and was first established in June 2001. This year’s theme, “Contribution of survivors in promoting the elimination of FGM in a context of security challenge,” places a significant focus on survivors and their organizations in driving the change toward eradicating the harmful practice.
Somé/Diallo stated that the eradication of FGM is crucial for protecting the rights and physical integrity of girls and women in Burkina Faso, ensuring their health and well-being. She highlighted the importance of accelerating the adoption of social norms that reject excision and recognized the efforts of various actors in maintaining Burkina Faso’s leadership in combating FGM amidst the current security and humanitarian challenges.
The 2021 demographic and health survey indicates that FGM affects 56% of women aged 15 to 49 and 9% of girls aged 0 to 14 in Burkina Faso, with a higher persistence in regions facing security challenges.