The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for discontinuation of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the South West states of Nigeria.
The UNICEF, which expressed concern about the prevalence of the harmful practice in the country, added that Nigeria ranks third globally on the Female Genital Mutilation.
Celine Lafouucriere, the Chief UNICEF Lagos Field Officer spoke at a two -day media dialogue to support advocacy to end FGM.
She said: “Your presence here show that ending FGM is urgent and achievable. Nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM.
“It’s the 3rd highest globally. Most of them were cut before their 5th birthday, when they are completely powerless, when they can’t consent, reject or understand what is happening.
“Despite being outlawed in Nigeria, the practice continues in many states. It continues by myth and tradition.”
In her remarks, Blessing Ejiofor, Communication Officer UNICEF Lagos said that the aim of media parley is to equip the journalists with comprehensive knowledge about FGM’s devastating impact on women and girls’ rights and wellbeing.
“Secondly, to provide you with the tools and materials needed to amplify advocacy efforts across Southwest Nigeria’s highest prevalence states.”
Also speaking on the update on FGM situation in South West, Nigeria, Dennis Onoise, the Child Protection Specialist UNICEF Lagos Office, said that the media has a lot of work to do to assist in elimination of FGM.
Speaking on why it has been difficult to end FGM, the Child Protection Specialist, attributed it to cultural practices, but said that the FGM has no cultural benefits. He said that Female Genital Mutilation has shown long time complications.
He noted that cutting the female genitals won’t prevent women from extra marital affairs.
On complications that could be caused by FGM, Onoise said it included intense pain, excessive bleeding, urinary incontinence, among others.
In her presentation, Mrs. Aderonke Olutayo, an FGM consultant lamented limited male engagement in advocacy, despite being key decision maker in the family.
She said there is need to engage boys and fathers as advocates in efforts to end FGM in the country.
*Media Report