The rural commune of Linko in Guinea's Kérouané prefecture recently celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child. The event, held on October 27, 2026, was marked by a sensitization campaign against female genital mutilation and early marriage. The ceremony was presided over by Director General of the National Family, Tiranké Kaba. Local authorities, technical partners, and populations from Linko and surrounding areas attended the event.
The celebration included the laying of the foundation stone for a center called "Salon des confidences". In his welcome speech, Linko Mayor Oumar Camara expressed his joy at the commune being chosen to host the celebration. He called for strengthened cooperation between the local government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and actors engaged in defending girls' rights.
UNFPA representative Barry Mamadou reaffirmed his institution's commitment to supporting the Guinean government and local governments in promoting girls' education, training, and reproductive health. Tiranké Kaba highlighted the theme of the edition: "Ending child marriage and investing in girls' rights". She emphasized the importance of protecting girls' fundamental rights, citing guarantees provided by the Guinean Constitution.
The event featured sensitization performances, including sketches related to the day's theme, and free consultations provided by a mobile clinic. Almamy Aly Camara, Chief of Staff of the Kankan Governorship, and Mohamed Mriame Keïta, Regional Inspector for Women, Family, and Solidarity of Kankan, were among the attendees.
The International Day of the Girl Child is an annual event celebrated on October 11. However, Linko's celebration was held on October 27, 2026. The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls in Guinea, particularly in rural areas. Female genital mutilation and early marriage are significant concerns in the country.
According to the Guinean Press Agency, the event was organized in partnership with the UNFPA and local authorities. The agency reported that the celebration was marked by a strong mobilization of local populations and authorities. The event's success was attributed to the collaboration between stakeholders working to promote girls' rights.
The celebration in Linko is part of a broader effort to promote girls' education and protect their rights in Guinea. The country's authorities have taken steps to address the challenges faced by girls, including the adoption of laws and policies aimed at preventing female genital mutilation and early marriage.
Key points
- The event aimed to raise awareness about female genital mutilation and early marriage.
- The celebration included the laying of the foundation stone for a center called "Salon des confidences".
- The event was organized in partnership with the UNFPA and local authorities.
