The communes of Colia and Lisso, located in the Boffa Prefecture in northwestern Guinea, have taken a major step in protecting the rights of girls, the Guinean Press Agency (AGP) reports.
From December 10 to 11, 2025, the communes of Colia and Lisso in Guinea officially renounced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage during ceremonies organised by the Association for the Promotion and Development of Entrepreneurship and Youth (APRODEJ), with support from UNICEF.
The initiative brought together administrative authorities, local elected officials, community leaders, women’s groups, and numerous young girls who came to express their commitment to change.
In these rural areas, where FGM and child unions are still practiced despite campaigns conducted in recent years, this public declaration marks a significant breakthrough.
According to APRODEJ, awareness-raising efforts undertaken since 2024 are beginning to bear fruit, with a gradual decline in the prevalence rate.
The local leaders of Colia and Lisso hailed this momentum and requested the extension of sensitisation to all districts to strengthen community mobilisation.
The regional coordinator of the FGM project reiterated that the approach is part of a long-term process aimed at fostering understanding of the health, psychological, and social risks associated with these practices.
“The communities have now grasped the consequences of female genital mutilation and child marriage. They have chosen to put an end to them and formalize this commitment before the authorities,” he affirmed.
The Prefectural Director of Children and Vulnerable Persons assured partners of the continuous support of local authorities in the implementation of child protection policies.
With the financial backing of UNICEF and the fieldwork carried out by APRODEJ, the two communities thus reiterated their willingness to protect young girls and turn the page on harmful practices that compromise their future.
RNK/sf/lb/as/APA