Southern region: Seminar conducted focusing on impact of harmful customary practices on women

Reports indicated that a seminar as regards harmful customary practices and their negative impact on women’s health and psychological wellbeing was conducted by experts in the Southern region.

Mendefera, 08 November 2013 – Reports indicated that a seminar as regards harmful customary practices and their negative impact on women’s health and psychological wellbeing was conducted by experts in the Southern region.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Hiwet Abraha, health professional, explained the negative effects of FGM in light of pregnancy and women’s psychological health. She further called for raised societal awareness in this regard with a major emphasis on parents.

Likewise, Mr. Berhe Gebretinsae, Prosecutor of the Southern region, cited childhood marriage as one of the major factors that sap intellectual and other futures of females, in addition to the obvious facts that it potentially causes health problems and psychological instability. Every citizen should extend a helping hand towards doing away with this illicit practice, he added.

Among participants, Ms. Azmera Habtemichael and Ms. Simret Fikadu said that a seminar of this type is of significant input as regards raising popular awareness, and that they would extend a helping hand towards the realization of the cherished goal.

Risk of mortality in connection with maternity is double in case of females aged between 15 to 19 than those aged from 20 to 24 years, according to international reports.