United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on stakeholders in the country to intensify efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), stating that Nigeria accounts for 10 percent, estimated at 19.9 million, of the 200 million girls and women worldwide.
Speaking at the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, organized by the wife of the Kwara State governor in Ilorin on Tuesday, the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, said that Nigeria holds the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation around the world.
The UNICEF representative also mentioned that despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of FGM in the country, recent data shows the practice remains widespread in Kwara state.
“FGM prevalence is highest among women aged 15-49, reaching 58 percent, and for the 0-14 age bracket, it stands at 35 percent. This means approximately one in every three girls experienced Female Genital Mutilation.
“We must act with collective commitment to change to address this issue comprehensively.
“UNICEF, along with our sister agency, UNFPA, has co-led the largest global program on the elimination of FGM, aligning with the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“This year’s theme, ‘Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,’ resonates with the journey we collectively embark upon to eradicate this harmful practice. In every survivor’s voice lies a testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering spirit to shape a different future.
Also speaking, the wife of the Kwara State governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, enjoined traditional and religious leaders as the custodians of our culture, faith, and tradition to join in the drive to ensure that this harmful practice is phased out from our communities.
“As revered citizens, I commend our traditional and religious leaders for their support for the programs and activities of the government, and I sincerely urge your royal highnesses to extend this support to our quest to end this practice.
As partners in this drive and members of the fourth estate of the realm, I also enjoin the media to actively engage in the dissemination of relevant information in this regard in clear and understandable form to dissuade people from engaging in this harmful practice.
Mrs. Abdulrazaq also stated that in meeting the global target of ending Female Genital Mutilation by the year 2030, stakeholders needed to redouble efforts and ensure that all hands stay on deck.
“It is in the light of this that I commend UNICEF for this remarkable partnership and shared commitment towards ending all harmful practices that may deter our women and girls from reaching their full potential in all facets of life.”
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