Reference:
39th Sess, U.N. Doc. CEDAW/C/GIN/CO/6 (2007)
Annotation:
Commenting on the country report submitted
by Guinea for its 39th Session, the
Committee expresses concern over the
persisting stereotypes, and cultural
norms, customs and traditions, such as
female genital mutilation (FGM), that are
harmful to women and girls. It also notes
with concern the prevalence of violence
and persisting patriarchal attitudes that
deem such conduct acceptable, and the lack
of information about the extent of
trafficking within Guinea, particularly
from rural to urban areas. The Committee
encourages the State to "view culture as a
dynamic dimension of the country's life
and social fabric, subject to many
influences over time and therefore subject
to change". Consequently, it recommends
that the State put in place a strategy
with clear goals, timelines and monitoring
mechanisms to modify or eliminate harmful
cultural stereotypes or practices and
their underlying justifications. The
Committee also offers recommendations
specific to the issue of FGM.