Gabu, February 06 2023 - On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, a march was organized, in the city of Gabu, by the National Committee for the Abandonment of Harmful Practices, to call on decision makers and society in general to urge all actors to commit themselves to end this practice..

The march, financially supported by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)/UNICEF joint Programme to End FGM, brought together around 300 participants from different institutions such as UNFPA, UNICEF, Gabu Regional Government, Women's Rights Organizations, National Network for the Fight against Gender-based Violence and Children in Guinea-Bissau, SOS Children's Villages International, Plan International, students, among others.

With eight years remaining in this decade of action, partnerships with men and boys can play a crucial role in eliminating the practice, transforming deeply rooted social and gender norms and allowing girls and women to realize their rights and potential in terms of health, education, income, and equality. To that end, this year’s theme: Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM.

In fostering the engagement of men and boys, the global community can accelerate the elimination of this practice and lift the voices of women and girls. Such initiatives have already resulted in a surge of male allies, including religious and traditional leaders, health workers, law enforcement officials, members of civil society, and grassroots organizations, leading to notable achievements in the protection of women and girls.