Africa-Press – Eritrea. A seminar aimed at eradicating harmful practices in general, and underage marriage and female genital mutilation in particular, was conducted in administrative areas of the eastern escarpment of Senafe sub-zone on 4 and 5 February.
At the seminar, Ms. Emuna Salah, Head of Foreign Relations at the National Union of Eritrean Women, gave an extensive briefing on the health and psychological consequences of underage marriage and female genital mutilation. She also called for reinforced public participation in efforts to eradicate these practices.
Ms. Emuna, noting that the prevalence of underage marriage and female genital mutilation has not yet been totally eradicated in the areas, called for strengthened participation to prevent the suffering of women caused by such harmful practices.
Ms. Senait Afwerki, Head of the National Union of Eritrean Women in the Southern Region, on her part, noted that commendable efforts have been exerted to enhance the role of women in economic, cultural, social, and political sectors, but emphasized that stronger efforts are still needed to eradicate harmful practices.
The participants, on their part, expressed readiness to play their due role in the effort and called on the concerned institutions to conduct relentless public awareness-raising activities.
