Anseba region: Stepped-up effort being made as regards avoidance of harmful customary practices

Stepped-up efforts are being exerted to promote women’s health well being through organizing promotional activities regarding the avoidance of harmful customary practices.

Hagaz, 08 April 2015 – Stepped-up efforts are being exerted to promote women’s health well being through organizing promotional activities regarding the avoidance of harmful customary practices. As a result, the inhabitants of Awenjeli area in Hagaz sub-zone have taken preventive measure against such acts. During a meeting in which religious leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare, community elders and members of the Health Ministry took part, it was stressed that a resolution was adopted aimed at  avoiding  the practices taking into account their dire psychological and health consequences.

The Administrator of the sub-zone, Ms. Amna Haj, pointed out that the initiative attests to the growing community awareness and called on fellow citizens to emulate the initiative.

Sheik Mohammed Ahmed Mantai, head of Awqaf office in the sub-zone, and Mr. Tedros Fisehaye, Acting head of social welfare in the region, explained that harmful customary practices in general and female genital mutilation in particular are legally prohibited.

Meanwhile, similar initiative was taken in Adi-Golgol village in Aditekelezan sub-zone. Mr. Girmai Bokretsion, head of the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare’s branch in the region, explained Eritrea is signatory to the International Convention on Children’s Rights, and the Ministry has been exerting due effort.