“Born Perfect, Stay Perfect”: Liberia Launches Campaign to End Female Genital Mutilation

In a vigorous effort to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, a coalition of organizations, including Medica Liberia, Community Healthcare Initiatives (CHI), and the National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NCAHP), has initiated a nationwide awareness campaign entitled “Born Perfect, Stay Perfect.” Launched on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, this initiative highlights the urgent need to confront a deeply entrenched cultural practice that continues to evoke controversy among communities, lawmakers, and traditional leaders.

New Campaign Touches Down in Counties

Supported by the United Nations, the Irish Embassy, and various global advocacy partners, the campaign kicked off with a bus caravan traveling through Bong, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, with intentions to extend its reach to all 15 counties across Liberia. This initiative is more than a symbolic gesture; it aims to intensify the long-standing struggle to eliminate FGM both legally and socially in the country.

FGM is one of Liberia’s most sensitive human rights issues, primarily practiced in specific traditional societies. Although precise prevalence rates are challenging to establish due to the secretive nature of the practice, advocates estimate thousands of girls are still at risk every year, especially in rural regions.

Legislative Momentum Builds

The campaign unfolds in a moment of renewed legislative energy surrounding the proposed Women and Girls Protection Act of 2025. Introduced by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, this bill aims to abolish harmful practices against women and children. Advocates see this legislation as a critical opportunity to transition from policy declarations to enforceable laws.

“The bus is just starting, and it’s not going to stop until what we are advocating for is achieved,” declared Marian Deah, Lead Campaigner and head of NCAHP, during the campaign’s launch. She emphasized that girls should be celebrated for their completeness without submission to harmful traditions.

The debate over FGM strikes at the heart of a broader tension between preserving culture and upholding human rights. Proponents of abolishing FGM cite the severe physical and psychological consequences, such as increased maternal health risks and school dropouts, along with the basic violation of bodily autonomy.

Conversely, some traditional leaders view the practice as an essential rite of passage, integral to community identity and morality. This cultural perspective complicates the push for reform, underscoring the delicate balance between advocacy and community respect.

The Role of Community Engagement

Madam Sando T. Daffa, Vice President of Rural Women in Grand Cape Mount County, acknowledged the challenges involved in changing established norms. She pointed out the necessity for community leaders to consult with elders and traditional practitioners before adopting a unified stance against FGM.

“This consultative process is crucial,” she stated, reinforcing the complexities that advocacy groups face when working within the confines of tradition. As awareness increases, shifting community consensus is undoubtedly a gradual endeavor.

Testimonies of Courage

One of the campaign’s most compelling aspects is the sharing of survivor stories. In Palala, Bong County, 10th-grade dropout Obey Konah spoke about the ostracism she faced when she refused to undergo FGM.

“People called me names and pressured my mother to raise money so I could go through the process,” she shared. “But I’ve learned that I don’t need to harm my body. Now, I’m ready to encourage my friends to stay perfect.”

Her testimony reflects the social pressures and economic factors that often sustain the practice. For many families, conforming to traditional rituals can be seen as essential for social acceptance and future marriage prospects.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

Campaign Team Head Aisha Kamara emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to empower girls with the knowledge and confidence they need to refuse harmful practices. “The tour reminds women and girls that they are valuable just as they are,” she stated, aspiring to foster an educated generation of decision-makers.

The “Born Perfect” campaign is decidedly linked to legislative efforts. Deah highlighted the importance of grassroots support for the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Act of 2025. This proposed legislation represents Liberia’s most comprehensive attempt to outlaw harmful traditional practices, including FGM and child marriage. However, advocates stress that successful implementation hinges on robust enforcement mechanisms and sustained community engagement.

A Shift in Perspective

In Gbarma, Gbarpolu County, agricultural technician Emmanuel Blamo framed the discourse in terms of development: “Harmful traditional practices will not take our girls forward; knowledge and opportunity will.” His comments underline a crucial shift in advocacy, linking the fight against FGM to broader economic and educational prospects for women and girls.

The “Born Perfect” Bus Caravan stands out as one of the most coordinated grassroots campaigns against FGM witnessed in recent years. By fostering dialogue among religious leaders, traditional authorities, government officials, and survivors, organizers aspire to generate a collective movement that lawmakers cannot ignore.

A Call for Change

Whether Liberia is poised for transformative change hinges on ongoing advocacy, genuine engagement with traditional leaders, and the political will necessary to turn commitments into legislated action.

The simple yet powerful message emblazoned across the campaign buses resonates deeply: girls are born perfect—and they deserve to remain that way.

— Reported by Nexio News