Female Genital Mutilation : Survivors’ Voices Count

Cameroonians have joined the international community to commemorate the Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a cry for authorities to listen to the plight of survivors who are still suffering from pain and stigmatisation.  Activities to mark the day took place yesterday February 6, 2025 in Yaounde and was chaired by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Abena Ondoa Née Obama Marie Thérèse, on the theme, “Her Voice, Her Future”.
Minister Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa said the theme places survivors at the forefront of the global movement to end FGM. “Only those who have been affected in their flesh can bear witness and actively participate in the fight to eradicate the scourge.” “Her Voice, Her Future” the Minister, said should remind people that survivors' voices count, as they better understand the challenges and actions required to eliminate the practice. Reason why she said it is essential for the government and its partners to invest in survivor-led movements and associations, especially at local level, in order to drive their efforts forward.
In Cameroon, FGM still exists. Although the prevalence is estimated at 1.4 per cent nation-wide, it reaches 20 per cent in some areas in the Far North and South West Regions according to the 2011 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Furthermore, the dynamics of migration encourages the rise of the practice in big cities like Yaounde, Douala and elsewhere in the country. Hence, the issue shows that there is need to take immediate and concerted action. Eradicating FGM, according to Minister Abena Ondoa, thus requires a collective and concerted action including the State, civil society, international organisations and communities, and above all, survivors th...