UNICEF calls for collective action against Female Genital Mutilation

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF has called on government at all levels, civil society organizations as well as traditional and religious leaders to join hands together in the fight to end Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting, FGM/C in Nigeria.

Our Osun State Correspondent reports that the call was made by UNICEF Communication Officer in the South-West, Mrs. Blessing Ejiofor, in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday February 6.

The statement challenged stakeholders to use the occasion of the World International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation marked Monday February 6 to increase advocacy against FGM so as to curb the practice.    

Speaking on the commemoration of the World International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, stressed, “Every study and every bit of evidence we have shown there is absolutely no benefit to mutilate or to cut any girl or woman for non-medical reasons. It is a practice that can cause severe physical and psychological harm.”

He said five states in Nigeria have rates of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) that are more than 60 per cent, with Osun and Ebonyi highest at 77 and 74 per cent respectively, according to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey. The other states are: Ekiti, 72 per cent; Imo, 68 per cent; and Oyo, 66 per cent.

“FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other cutting of or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women”.

It would be recalled that in February 2016, Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari launched a National Campaign to end FGM, calling on all stakeholders to work together to halt the harmful practice.

Mohamed said UNICEF is working with Federal and State governments, especially in the Southern States where the practice is most prevalent, training partners, creating awareness at all levels and working with communities to convince practitioners and community members to promote an end to the practice.

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