Female welfare protection scheme with UNICEF

Egypt and UNICEF yesterday signed an agreement for a programme to stop practices harmful to the health of women and female children.

The agreement, which includes a scheme to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) by end of 2003, is part of efforts by the Ministry of Social Affairs to eliminate customs that threaten the welfare of girls and women, Minister Amina el-Guindi said.

Such phenomena block the way to development drive, el-Guindi said, adding that the programme will be implemented in shantytown districts nationwide, beginning with Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Assiut.

In accordance with the plan, ministry officials and representatives will be visiting social clubs, schools and places of worship to warn families of the harm caused by such practices that are against the teachings of all religions, el-Guindi said.