FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 6 February 2023 -The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on 6 February 2023 partnered with the National Youth Service in hosting an orientation session for 360 youth corps members. In commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the orientation session focused on the theme of “Partnering with Men and Boys to Transform Gender and Socials Norms to End FGM.”
The National Youth Service scheme is aimed at creating work opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for young people, enabling young graduates to develop skills and knowledge and to gain work experience and pursue community service.
The orientation session was aimed at building the knowledge of participants on the risks of FGM as well as strengthening their capacities to become champions in the campaign to end FGM and all forms of violence against women and girls.
In 2023, 4.3 million girls are at risk of FGM globally, according to a joint statement by UNFPA and UNICEF on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. This number is projected to reach 4.6 million by 2030, as conflict, climate change, rising poverty, and inequality continue to hinder efforts to transform gender and social norms that underpin this harmful practice and disrupt programmes that help protect girls.
In Sierra Leone, 83% of women aged 15-49 are estimated to have undergone FGM according to the Demographic Health Survey 2019. To accelerate progress towards ending FGM, UNFPA is supporting national partners working towards ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
