Mendefera: A conference aimed at eradicating harmful practices, specifically underage marriage and female genital mutilation, was conducted in Mendefera, Southern Region. The event sought to enhance the role of religious leaders and influential community members in these efforts.
According to African Press Organization, Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, highlighted that the eradication of underage marriage and female genital mutilation remains incomplete. He called on religious leaders to leverage their influence and responsibilities to strengthen their participation in eliminating these practices.
Mr. Gebrehiwet Teklu, head of the Attorney General's Office in the region, provided an extensive briefing on Eritrea's civil and criminal laws. He pointed out that marriages under 18 years of age and female genital mutilation are punishable under Eritrea's Criminal Law Articles 615 and 537, respectively, elaborating on the legal implications.
Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, head of the Ministry of Health branch in the region, urged the public to abandon incorrect beliefs and increase participation in the effort to eradicate harmful practices. The participants expressed their readiness to play their part in these efforts and called on concerned institutions to conduct ongoing public awareness-raising activities.