Speech by the United Nations Resident Coordinator marking mark the National Day Eradication of FGM

Excellency Dr. Maya Morsy, Dr. Sahar El-Sonbaty – Co-chairs of the National Committee for the Eradication of FGM

Esteemed colleagues and partners,

It is a pleasure to be here, albeit virtually, with you to mark the National Day Eradication of FGM and to celebrate the recent amendment of the criminalization of the FGM law.

Allow me to start by congratulating the National Committee, under the leadership of the National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, for the tremendous efforts that have been exerted over the last period [most likely 12 month but will be confirmed in their presentation] to consolidate efforts and to push forward the agenda for the eradication of FGM in Egypt.

I would like to also take this opportunity to commend the Government of Egypt on the recent legislative amendment that toughens penalties on FGM crimes. This of course would not have happened without the strategic and dedicated leadership and advocacy efforts of the National Committee.

Women and Girls’ Empowerment is integral for achieving sustainable development in Egypt. It can accelerate progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals especially on education, health and economic growth. Thus, as the UN, we have placed Women and Girls’ Empowerment as a key strategic pillar, as well as cross cutting issue, in our UN Partnership Development Framework for the period 2018 to 2022. Working closely with NCW, the UN’s efforts aim at ensuring that all women and girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential and that their rights (set forth in the 2014 Constitution) are respected, protected and responded to with no discrimination.

Accelerating steps to eradicate FGM requires the continuation of collective and coordinated work in strengthening national systems to respond to cases of girls at risk/survivors while ensuring the engagement and voice of all actors to bring about social transformation and to reinforce the implementation of legislation. The UN stands committed to working with the National Committee, led by NCW and NCCM, as well as other partners to eradicate FGM and protect the rights of all girls and women.

Thank you.