Liberia Moves to Ban FGM After Decades of Temporary Fixes

After years of temporary bans that expired and left enforcement patchy, Liberia is finally moving toward a permanent law to end Female Genital Mutilation.

More than 17 human rights organizations joined forces under the National Coalition Against Harmful Practices to push the Women and Girls Protection Act of 2025 through the Legislature. Their message to lawmakers was clear: temporary measures aren't working, and Liberian girls deserve better.

The timing matters. About 38 percent of Liberian women aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM, according to the World Health Organization. The practice, often tied to traditional Sande society initiations, can cause severe infections, childbirth complications, trauma, and even death.

President Joseph Boakai signaled his commitment at the United Nations General Assembly in September, promising Liberia would transition from temporary moratoriums to permanent law. Deputy Minister for Gender Laura Golakeh told lawmakers the government fully supports the bill.

The proposed legislation doesn't just ban FGM. It also prohibits child marriage and other harmful practices while establishing penalties for violators and support systems for survivors.

Some lawmakers worry about backlash from rural communities where traditional leaders hold significant influence. Representative Richard Koon asked development partners to involve legislators more directly in community conversations, saying lawmakers need to be part of the outreach in their own districts.

The coalition isn't just demanding criminalization. They're calling for the release of girls currently subjected to FGM, stronger enforcement against perpetrators, alternative income programs for traditional practitioners who depend on initiation fees, and community education to shift social norms.

"We cannot criminalize without educating," one coalition representative explained. "Sustainable change requires dialogue with communities."

The Ripple Effect

Liberia's push comes as West African nations increasingly recognize that executive orders alone can't end deeply rooted practices. Sierra Leone and Guinea have passed similar laws, though enforcement remains uneven.

If Liberia succeeds, it could provide a blueprint for balancing cultural sensitivity with human rights protections. The coalition's "bus campaign" is already traveling through five counties, supported by Sweden, Ireland, Great Britain, and UN Women, gathering community input while advocating for change.

International partners view anti-FGM initiatives as central to broader gender equity goals across the region. Increased funding from the European Union and United Nations agencies signals growing recognition that protecting girls from harmful practices requires both legal frameworks and grassroots engagement.

The legislation now awaits final action from the House of Representatives, with advocates hopeful that decades of temporary fixes will finally give way to lasting protection for Liberian girls.