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Zero Tolerance Against Female Genital Mutilation ASMARA, Zoba Maekel 001/14
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Asmara, February 6, 2014: The United Nations in Eritrea in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) commemorated Children should not pay the price Zero Tolerance Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6 in Zoba Maekel. The ceremony was held in Cinema Roma where dignitaries from Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare, National Union of Eritrean Women, UNICEF and UNFPA participated. The day was celebrated under the theme 'Synergy of action by Governments, International Community and Civil Society to accelerate the achievement of the Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.

inister of Health

The Theme of the Mont:

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Operati onal Guidelines

Participants from communities in Zoba Maekel

Advocacy materials such as school bags, T-shirts, caps and umbrellas (male and female) were given to policy makers bearing the message STOP FGM!. Media based messages on the deep physical and psychological effects of FGM were disseminated through radio, TV talk shows and edutainment programmes throughout the week. Medical Professionals and Programme Managers addressed the public through the Doctors in The Studio Television and Radio forum. During the event, drama on FGM collective abandonment was performed by the Mager Cultural Troops from the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students.
Dignitaries at the event

Different speakers took turns to reiterate joint commitment of the UN and partners to ensure collective abandonment of the practice. Dr Andeberhan Tesfazion, Acting Director General Public Health from MoH noted that Eritrea has adopted systemic approach to ensure collective abandonment to FGM, yielding tangible results. He thanked UNICEF and UNFPA for their technical and financial contributions in the process. He also highlighted, while the national average for FGM has declined from 89 percent (2002) to 83 percent (2010), the trend for the young generation is promising at 33.2 per cent and 12.4 per cent for under 15 and 5 girls respectively. Mr. Dan Odallo, UNFPA Representative spoke on behalf of the UN and called FGM a violation of human rights and he added It still threatens the lives and futures of so many women and girls. In continuation, Mr. Odallo said UNFPA and UNICEF are jointly implementing the largest United Nations programme to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. Mr. Roy Bowen, UNICEF Representative a.i. commended the MoH DIFFERENT COLOURS AOF TH on its leadership in the fight against FGM.

At the end of the event, Mr. Kaleabe Tesfaselassie from Zoba Maekel Basic Social Services and Sr. Rigbe Solomon, Head Reproductive Health Unit from MoH gave awards to youth and women who participated in the general knowledge competition.

IEC Materials

Youth Mager Drama Group

Photo credit- all photos: UNICEF/Eritrea/2014/Araya For further information: Communications Contact: Ms. Awet Araya Bahlbi: aaraya@unicef.org Technical contacts: Ms. Gbemisola Akinboyo gakinboyo@unicef.org Mr. Samuel Isaac sisaac@unicef.org