Traditional leaders in Liberia have announced the "total ban" on all practices of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nimba County. The decision, made by the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, follows a similar move in Bong County, where FGM is deeply entrenched, just like in Nimba County. Their goal is to encourage their members to abandon the centuries-old traditional practice, which the World Health Organization has identified as a risk to women's health. Nimba County has been recognized as one of the places where FGM has been prevalent, sometimes leading to the forced conscription of girls. Comfort Lamptey, the Country Representative of UN Women, expressed her happiness that the practice of FGM was being banned in Nimba and other places across Liberia.

Source: Daily Observer October 31, 2023 08:45 UTC