Empowering Survivors, Shaping the Future
“Her Voice, Her Future.” This was the theme of the 18th edition of the International Day “Zero- Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation», which was officially commemorated on 6 February 2025 in Yaounde.
The theme of the 18th edition of the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation focuses on the role of survivors in the fight against this form of GBV. It calls for the contribution of the victims themselves to raise awareness and transform communities. The voice of survivors is essential in guaranteeing a future in which every girl can preserve her physical integrity and live in good health. The survivors’ testimonies help us to understand the physical, emotional and psychological trauma they are enduring. By speaking out, they become key actors in bringing about change at every level. Their voices have a greater impact in raising community awareness. The voice of survivors is also more likely to influence public policy because it has the power to transform social norms. In order to guarantee the future of a world without female genital mutilation, it is vital for survivors’ voices to be heard and valued. First and foremost, it is important to shape a better future for the survivors themselves. This requires huge investment in all areas aimed at helping survivors to heal their psychological wounds. “Her Voice, Her Future” therefore calls on all stakeholders involved in the fight against FGM. Government officials, development partners, civil society and communities must encourage survivors to break the silence in which they are shrouded in order to stand up and become major actors in this fight.
Under the impetus of the President of the Republic, Cameroon continues to play its regalian role. Since 2008, the country has been commemorating the international day dedicated to FGM, the legal framework has been reviewed and a national strategy to combat GBV, including FGM, is being implemented. Moreover, a national action plan specifically for FGM is in the pipeline. In the meantime, Minproff has set up local committees to combat FGM in the areas of high prevalence, as well as awareness-raising, advocacy among decision-makers and holistic support for survivors, among other actions. Despite the work done with the support of TFPs and CSOs, there is still a long way to go to eradicate FGM in our country. It is therefore necessary to continue advocacy and awareness-raising, improve support for survivors and punish the perpetrators, etc.