Workshop on violence against girls concludes in Aden, focusing on awareness and prevention strategies.

A two-day workshop focusing on violence against girls concluded in Aden, Yemen’s temporary capital. The event, organized by the General Directorate of Women and Children at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, received support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Objectives of the Workshop

Faiza Abdulmajid, the Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry for Development, highlighted that the workshop aimed to raise awareness about violence against girls, particularly the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). This harmful tradition persists in certain regions of Yemen, and the workshop sought to address its implications.

Community Engagement and Knowledge Exchange

Marina Abdulrahman, the Gender Program Officer at UNFPA, praised the Ministry’s efforts in addressing social issues. She encouraged participants to engage in community dialogue, emphasizing the benefits of knowledge sharing.

Diverse Participation

The workshop attracted 30 participants, including doctors, mosque imams, legal officials, and representatives from civil society organizations. This diverse group discussed various perspectives on the psychological and health impacts of FGM on affected girls. They also examined religious viewpoints and recommendations from scholars regarding the practice.

Call for Positive Change

Participants collectively emphasized the importance of promoting positive narratives about this issue in accordance with Islamic teachings. They advocated for awareness campaigns to educate the community about the psychological effects of FGM. Additionally, they called for enhanced psychological support for women and girls impacted by this practice.

Moreover, they urged mosque leaders to collaborate with local endowment offices to raise awareness about the dangers of female genital mutilation.

This workshop marks a significant step in addressing violence against girls in Yemen, fostering community engagement, and promoting healthier futures for women and girls.

 

To follow the news in Arabic