MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has described Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a horrific act of Gender-Based Violence.

 Mr. Gutteress said:” FGM inflicts lifelong physical and mental harm, life-threatening health risks, and violates the rights of women and girls.”

He emphasized the need to bolster strong partnerships between the government, grassroots organizations, and survivors to eliminate FGM by 20230.

The UN Secretary-General recommitted the UN support in the fight against FGM in Liberia.

His message was contained in a message read by UN Women Representative to Liberia, Comfort Lamptey, during the observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on Thursday, last week.

Meanwhile, Bong County District-Six Representative Moima Briggs Mensah emphasized the need to empower Zoes through budgetary allocation.

Representative Mensah said:” With budgetary support, Zoes across the country will have a better livelihood.”

She called on the government, civil society organizations, and international partners to be intentional in breaking the chain of FGM across the country, noting that the fight against FGM needs a collective effort.

Representative Moima Briggs Mensah made the statement when she delivered the keynote address in Observance of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM in Monrovia.