Djibouti, Djibouti – 3 October 2024: A high-level delegation from the Steering Committee of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) concluded a successful four-day visit to Djibouti today. The delegation, comprising official representatives from the European Union, France, Kenya, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Yemen, met with key stakeholders to learn more about Djibouti’s efforts to accelerate FGM elimination and discuss strategies and opportunities going forward.
During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to meet with ministries involved in the national response to gender-based violence, particularly FGM. The delegation met with the national network of religious leaders, and members of civil society, particularly women's and youth associations who advocate for the empowerment of women and girls, reproductive rights, and human rights.
Furthermore, the delegation visited the village of Otoy in Tadjourah, where the population recently publicly declared the abandonment of this practice, a great achievement as the Tadjourah region has the highest FGM prevalence in the country.
"Incredible to witness the change in Djibouti - it’s a powerful reminder of how united we are in the movement to end FGM. What moved me the most was the passion and strength of young women and girls leading the charge, alongside men and boys, sparking conversation and inspiring action. This gives me hope that we’re truly on the path to ending FGM by 2030," said Simone Faerdow, Adviser, Section for Gender Equality, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.
The visit provided valuable insights into the progress being made in Djibouti and the challenges that remain.
On her part, Ms. Bernadette Loloju, Chief Executive Officer, Anti-FGM Board of Kenya, Republic of Kenya, pointed out that "Djibouti is putting lots of effort into the campaign to eliminate FGM, led by the government of Djibouti with the support of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme to Eliminate FGM. The religious leaders Council, the Djiboutian women's NGOs, the community-led organizations, government ministries, men, women, and girls are all working extremely hard to end FGM. The media, especially social media for young people, plays a critical role in ending the practice. I urge the government to invest more in education because education has proved to be a major catalyst in the elimination of FGM,"
The visit highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and investment to achieve the global goal of eliminating FGM by 2030. The delegation expressed its satisfaction with the progress made in Djibouti and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country's efforts.
The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme to Eliminate FGM is the largest global programme to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. The programme focuses on 17 countries including Djibouti and influential global roles and interventions to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, SDG 5.3 to end FGM.
