Meeting Reviews Progress in Eradicating Harmful Practices

Mendefera, 06 August 2026 – A meeting to review progress in eradicating harmful practices and ensuring children’s rights in the Southern Region was conducted in Mendefera on 5 August.

At the meeting, in which members of committees overseeing activities to eradicate harmful practices from the region’s 12 sub-zones took part, reports were presented on the progress registered thus far and the challenges encountered.

Noting that the objective of the committees aimed to eradicate harmful practices that negatively affect the health of women, particularly female genital mutilation and underage marriage, by raising public awareness, Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, said that awareness-raising activities involving about 148,000 people had been conducted over the past six months.

Mr. Qaleab went on to say that the awareness-raising activities focused on the psychological, physical and legal consequences of harmful practices. He called on the public to strengthen its participation in efforts to nurture a healthy and productive society.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the reports presented and adopted various recommendations, including conducting sustained awareness-raising activities and taking corrective measures against those who continue to practice harmful traditions.

Noting that harmful practices cannot be eradicated within a short period, Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the Southern Region, called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.