What You Need to Know
A recent conference in Massawa addressed the rights of women and children, emphasizing the need to eradicate harmful practices such as underage marriage and female genital mutilation. Organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the event highlighted positive outcomes in local villages and called for increased public awareness and participation in these efforts.
Africa-Press – Eritrea. A conference focusing on ensuring the rights of women and children, as well as the eradication of harmful practices in general, and underage marriage and female genital mutilation in particular, was conducted in the port city of Massawa from 30 March to 3 April.
At the conference, which was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch and the committee overseeing the rights of women and children, it was reported that encouraging results have been registered in some villages in the Massawa sub-zone.
Noting the physical and psychological negative consequences of harmful practices, Mr. Ismail Osman, acting head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, said that strong efforts have been exerted in collaboration with partners to eradicate harmful practices. He also said that, since the sub-zone has a comparative advantage in terms of village regrouping, harmful practices could be eradicated more easily through strong effort.
Mr. Haile Asfaha, administrator of the sub-zone, noting that harmful practices indicate a low level of public awareness, called for coordinated awareness-raising activities aimed at enhancing public understanding and participation in the eradication of the practices.
The participants conducted extensive discussion on the issues raised at the conference and expressed readiness to strengthen participation in the eradication of harmful practices.
Eritrea has faced significant challenges regarding women’s and children’s rights, particularly with harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. These issues are deeply rooted in cultural norms and require comprehensive strategies to address them effectively. The government, alongside various organizations, has been working to improve awareness and implement programs aimed at eradicating these practices, fostering a safer environment for women and children in the region. The recent conference in Massawa is part of these ongoing efforts to promote rights and raise awareness.
