Bafata, Guinea-Bissau – February 6, 2025 – Guinea-Bissau marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a powerful and inspiring event in Bafata, eastern part of the country, joining the global community in raising the call to action under the theme "Raising the tempo: Strengthening alliances and creating movements to end FGM - United for the Elimination of FGM." The day's events served as a potent reminder of the urgent need to eradicate this harmful practice and underscored Guinea-Bissau's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls.

The Bafata celebration was a vibrant demonstration of unity, bringing together key stakeholders including government officials, representatives from United Nations agencies, European Union, influential traditional leaders, Students, international organizations, youths, community members, and dedicated activists. The diverse gathering emphasized the multi-faceted approach required to address and eliminate FGM.

The day's program was carefully curated to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the inter-school drawing and poetry competition, where children creatively expressed their thoughts and feelings about FGM, offering powerful insights for the next generation. A dynamic sports march early in the morning energized participants and visually symbolized the collective movement gaining momentum against the practice.

A central focus of the event was reaffirming Guinea-Bissau's dedication to ending FGM. Maria Inácia Có Sanhá, the Minister of Women, Family, and Social Solidarity, delivered a passionate address, stating, "This day is far more than a symbolic gesture. It is a powerful reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our girls and women. Eradicating FGM requires sustained collaborative effort. Government, traditional leaders, communities, and international partners must work hand in hand to guarantee that future generations are free from this devastating practice. The stories we have heard today, the inspiring art we have witnessed, and the crucial discussions we have engaged in have only strengthened our resolve. We will not rest until FGM is completely eradicated from Guinea-Bissau."

Seco Mussá Sidibé, a respected traditional leader from Bafata, reinforced the Minister's message, emphasizing the critical role of community engagement. "We, as traditional leaders, hold a vital responsibility in transforming harmful cultural norms," he explained. "We must actively engage within our communities to educate our people about the severe dangers of FGM and promote positive alternative rites of passage that celebrate womanhood without inflicting harm. Today’s event demonstrates our shared commitment to this goal. Critically, we must listen attentively to the voices of our young people and work together to build a better future for them, a future free from FGM."

The impactful event was implemented with the support of the UNFPA within the framework of the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnership, alliances and coordinated efforts in driving progress towards a future where FGM is no longer a threat to girls and women in Guinea-Bissau. The event served not only as a commemoration but also as a catalyst for renewed action and strengthened partnerships in the ongoing fight against FGM.