Koup©la: The NGO Children Believe held a significant public declaration ceremony, declaring the abandonment of harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. The event saw participation from administrative, customary, and religious authorities, alongside representatives from various social groups across Kourittenga province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony was organized in collaboration with ASAFF and financially supported by UNICEF as part of the Zems© project. The project aims to establish positive social norms to accelerate the promotion of the abandonment of forced or early marriage, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices.
Kotogueto Armande Sanou, the director of programs at Children Believe, stated that the initiative aims to strengthen the commitment of community leaders and the entire community to abandon practices harmful to children and women. Sanou emphasized the positive impact of communities committing to end such practices.
Participants at the ceremony, including representatives from various social strata, expressed their strong commitment to supporting the initiative. Napam-boum Naaba, representing His Majesty Naaba Yemd© of Koup©la, highlighted the detrimental impact of female genital mutilation and forced marriage on social life and pledged support for organizations fighting these practices.
Pastor Wendpouir© Sawadogo, representing evangelical churches, acknowledged the awareness efforts by Children Believe and its partners. He noted that practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage are discouraged in their religion, and church leaders remain committed to eradicating these practices.
Catechist Alexis Zougmor©, representing the Catholic Church, reiterated the church’s commitment to combating early marriage and encouraged support for organizations working to end harmful practices. Similarly, a representative from the Muslim community affirmed their readiness to support initiatives against practices that undermine family life.
Women’s representative Alphonsine Damiba pledged to intensify efforts to change behaviors and end harmful practices endangering girls’ lives. Fernand N’Do, Secretary General of Kourittenga Province, praised the stakeholders’ commitment and urged everyone to actively speak out against these practices.