FGM- A Gross Violation of womanhood- NILOWV president

The president, League of Women Voters-NILOWV addresses Nigerians on this international day against female genital mutilation. She qualifies it a gross violation of human rights. Se full text below:

Today, February 6, 2025, marks the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices. As we commemorate this day, I am compelled to address the persisting issue of FGM in Nigeria, a practice that has been widely recognized as a gross violation of human rights.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM is practiced in over 30 countries, with Nigeria having one of the highest prevalence rates. The 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM. This translates to approximately 10 million women and girls in Nigeria who have been subjected to this barbaric practice.

FGM is a serious violation of women’s and girls’ rights, causing severe physical and emotional harm. The practice has no health benefits and can lead to complications such as infection, chronic pain, and infertility. Furthermore, FGM perpetuates gender inequality and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

In Nigeria, FGM is often perpetuated by traditional and cultural beliefs. However, I strongly believe that our traditional institutions have a critical role to play in ending this practice. I urge our traditional leaders to shun FGM and other harmful practices, and instead, promote the well-being and dignity of women and girls.

The Nigerian government has taken steps to address FGM, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015. However, more needs to be done to enforce these laws and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. I call on the government to intensify efforts to prevent FGM and provide support to survivors.

As members of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), we have a responsibility to carry out continuous and intensive advocacy against FGM. We must engage with our communities, traditional leaders, and policymakers to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and promote alternative rites of passage that promote the dignity and well-being of women and girls.

We must also recognize the importance of data collection and research in understanding the prevalence and trends of FGM. The 2018 NDHS revealed that FGM is more prevalent in rural areas (23%) compared to urban areas (14%). This data highlights the need for targeted interventions in rural areas.

In addition, we must engage with our international partners to leverage resources and expertise in the fight against FGM. The United Nations has set a target to eliminate FGM by 2030, and we must work together to achieve this goal.

As we mark this International Day against FGM, I urge everyone to join us in this fight. Let us work together to create a Nigeria where women and girls are free from harm and can reach their full potential. We owe it to ourselves, our daughters, and our communities to end FGM and promote a culture of dignity and respect for all.
Today, February 6, 2025, marks the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices. As we commemorate this day, I am compelled to address the persisting issue of FGM in Nigeria, a practice that has been widely recognized as a gross violation of human rights.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM is practiced in over 30 countries, with Nigeria having one of the highest prevalence rates. The 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM. This translates to approximately 10 million women and girls in Nigeria who have been subjected to this barbaric practice.

FGM is a serious violation of women’s and girls’ rights, causing severe physical and emotional harm. The practice has no health benefits and can lead to complications such as infection, chronic pain, and infertility. Furthermore, FGM perpetuates gender inequality and reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

In Nigeria, FGM is often perpetuated by traditional and cultural beliefs. However, I strongly believe that our traditional institutions have a critical role to play in ending this practice. I urge our traditional leaders to shun FGM and other harmful practices, and instead, promote the well-being and dignity of women and girls.

The Nigerian government has taken steps to address FGM, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015. However, more needs to be done to enforce these laws and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. I call on the government to intensify efforts to prevent FGM and provide support to survivors.

As members of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), we have a responsibility to carry out continuous and intensive advocacy against FGM. We must engage with our communities, traditional leaders, and policymakers to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and promote alternative rites of passage that promote the dignity and well-being of women and girls.

We must also recognize the importance of data collection and research in understanding the prevalence and trends of FGM. The 2018 NDHS revealed that FGM is more prevalent in rural areas (23%) compared to urban areas (14%). This data highlights the need for targeted interventions in rural areas.

In addition, we must engage with our international partners to leverage resources and expertise in the fight against FGM. The United Nations has set a target to eliminate FGM by 2030, and we must work together to achieve this goal.

As we mark this International Day against FGM, I urge everyone to join us in this fight. Let us work together to create a Nigeria where women and girls are free from harm and can reach their full potential. We owe it to ourselves, our daughters, and our communities to end FGM and promote a culture of dignity and respect for all.