By Abiemwense Moru
On February 6, the world marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and advocating for its eradication.
This year’s theme, “Step Up the Pace”, urged greater action to end the human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation, FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
In Nigeria, the urgency of this call cannot be overstated.
With an estimated 19.9 million women and girls having undergone FGM, the country ranks third highest in the world for the prevalence of the practice (UNICEF).
FGM prevalence among women aged 15-49 declined from 25 per cent in 2013 to 20 per cent in 2018, but rates among girls aged 0-14 rose from 16.9 per cent to 19.2 per cent (NDHS).
In May 2015, then President Goodluck Jonathan signed a federal law banning FGM, sadly, it still persists due to cultural and social pressures.
UNICEF and other stakeholders are working to end FGM through advocacy, education, and community engagement (UNICEF).
While progress has been made among adult women, rising rates among young girls underscore the need for urgent action.
In spite of the existence of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which criminalises FGM, deep-rooted cultural and traditional beliefs continue to fuel its widespread occurrence.
Gender advocates like Yinka Kenny, a survivor and the founder of YinkaKenny Girls Care Foundation, are at the forefront of efforts to eliminate FGM and prevent future generations from enduring it.
Having personally experienced the devastating effects of FGM, Kenny shared her painful story, emphasising the importance of greater awareness and the full implementation of protective laws.
“I never derived pleasure from sexual intercourse but thought it was normal until my partner pointed it out. After a comparison, I realised my genitalia had been partially mutilated,” Kenny revealed.
She further recounted how her mother, who had given birth to her amidst complications was shocked to discover that she had undergone FGM without her consent.
“My mother wasn’t aware of it. She didn’t consent to anyone performing it on me,” she said.
Her experience reflects the harsh reality faced by countless women and girls, many of whom undergo FGM without their knowledge or consent.
As part of her advocacy, Kenny is committed to empowering survivors to share their experiences and educate others about the long-term physical and psychological consequences of the practice.
She firmly believes that survivors should play a greater role in decision-making processes.
“It’s time we put survivors who have the passion to eradicate FGM in positions where they can influence real change”.
Beyond individual advocacy, organisations like the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) are also calling for urgent action.
Princess Hamman-Obels, IRIAD’s Director, revealed the health risks associated with FGM, including severe pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and lifelong psychological trauma.
“FGM is not only a violation of human rights but a practice that damages women’s physical and emotional well-being,” she stated.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s progress; such as the enactment of the VAPP Act and the National Policy and Plan of Action for the Elimination of FGM (2021-2025), Hamman-Obels stressed that major barriers remain.
These include inadequate funding and resistance from some traditional leaders.
“IRIAD’s call to action reflects the growing consensus that all stakeholders including government officials, healthcare providers, community leaders, and civil society must work together to eradicate FGM.
“Ending FGM by 2030 is not just a target but a moral imperative requiring urgent and collective efforts,” Hamman-Obels reiterated.
On the ground, government officials are increasingly voicing concerns about the persistence of FGM, in spite legal prohibitions.
At a recent workshop, Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo acknowledged that Imo has the highest prevalence of FGM in the southeast.
He noted that while laws are necessary, they are not sufficient to eradicate the practice.
“We must make a pledge that we go to work and ensure that by next year, zero tolerance for FGM will have become a reality in Imo,” he declared.
Similarly, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, the Governor’s wife, stressed that education is a powerful tool in addressing the immediate and long-term consequences of FGM.
She called for the establishment of mentorship programmes to support young girls and break the cycle of genital mutilation.
In Lagos, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, reaffirmed her commitment to raising awareness and strengthening policies that protect girls from FGM.
“FGM violates fundamental human rights, and as a society, we must unite to protect our daughters,” she stated.
Beyond government efforts, legal and grassroots organisations are playing a crucial role in the fight against FGM.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling FGM, particularly through advocacy, legal intervention, and public education.
Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA’s Abuja branch, identified ignorance as a major factor perpetuating harmful practices like FGM.
“We are intensifying our grassroots campaigns and have already carried out initiatives in communities like Kuje. We are committed to continuing these efforts,” she said.
She also highlighted FIDA’s work in simplifying and translating the provisions of the VAPP Act, ensuring that more people understand that FGM is not only immoral but also unlawful.
“In addition to these educational efforts, FIDA offers pro bono legal support for victims of FGM and urges collaboration with local communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served”.
To engage younger generations in the fight against FGM, FIDA’s Abuja branch recently launched a social media advocacy challenge aimed at raising awareness and encouraging widespread participation in global efforts to end FGM.
The fight against FGM is a global challenge, with over 200 million girls and women worldwide affected by the practice.
As underscored by organisations like IRIAD, FIDA, and numerous government officials, the need for urgent action has never been greater.
Many stakeholders believe that while laws and policies are critical, real progress will come from grassroots mobilisation, education, and survivor-led advocacy.
They noted that through collective action, stronger alliances, and heightened awareness, a world free from FGM is achievable.(NANFeatures)
