MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Campaigners Against Harmful Practices in Liberia is calling for the swift passage of the Women and Girls’ Protection Act of 2025.

According to a release, the proposed Act is essential to ending Female Genital Mutilation and other harmful practices that threaten the lives and dignity of women and girls.

The Group’s appeal follows President Joseph Boakai’s announcement at the UN General Assembly in September, declaring a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based violence and pledging to put a permanent national ban on FGM.

The Group believes that the bill reinforces Liberia’s commitment to national and international human rights laws, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Campaigners Against Harmful Practices stressed that the Act guarantees every woman and girl the right to live free from violence.

Meanwhile, they are appealing to parents, traditional leaders, civil society, and young people to stand in solidarity to end FGM, which they believe continues to affect thousands of girls each year.

At the same time, Members of the House of Representatives have rejected a committee’s report on the proposed legislation seeking to ban harmful traditional practices.

Recently, President Joseph Boakai submitted a bill to place a ban on harmful cultural practices to protect and safeguard the dignity of women and girls.

Some lawmakers argued that placing a ban on harmful traditional practices could hugely undermine Liberia’s cultural and social aspirations.

According to members of the House, more consultations are needed, especially with citizens, to decide on the proposed legislation.

Meanwhile, Plenary has halted the bill pending intense nationwide engagements with constituents on the merits of the bill.