A staggering 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that carries no health benefits and inflicts severe harm. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is launching a powerful advocacy campaign, urging for the complete abandonment of this deeply entrenched, harmful tradition. This article delves into the shocking statistics, the devastating consequences of FGM, and the crucial efforts underway to protect future generations.
The Grim Reality of FGM in Nigeria
The numbers are alarming: UNICEF reports that over 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation. This places Nigeria as the third-highest country globally for FGM prevalence. The devastating truth is that many of these procedures occur before a girl’s fifth birthday, a time when she is most vulnerable and unable to comprehend or consent to the irreversible harm being done to her body.
Why FGM Must Be Eradicated
Despite being outlawed in Nigeria, FGM persists, fueled by deeply ingrained myths and traditions. UNICEF emphasizes that FGM offers absolutely no health benefits. Instead, it:
- Causes immediate and long-term health complications.
- Can lead to dangerous infections and difficulties with urination and menstruation.
- Is a form of gender-based violence that denies women and girls their bodily autonomy.
- Contributes to significant psychological trauma.
“It is a harmful traditional practice,” stated FGM consultant Mrs. Aderonke Olutayo. “By cutting the girl child, you have rendered the woman powerful and violent.” This highlights the severe, often unspoken, consequences on the individual and society.
A Call to Action: Accelerating the End of Harmful Practices
UNICEF, in collaboration with stakeholders including journalists, civil society organizations, and government partners like the Oyo State Government, is spearheading a critical media dialogue. This two-day event, held in Benin City, Edo State, focuses on “Accelerating Actions to Eliminate Harmful Practices against Women and Girls.” Journalists from across Southwest states – Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Edo – are being mobilized to amplify the message and drive change.
The Media’s Crucial Role
Mr. Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information in Oyo State, underscored the media’s vital role. “We are the people who set the agenda for society to follow,” he remarked, appealing for intensified reporting to ensure the total elimination of FGM in all seven UNICEF-supported states.
What We Can Do
Ending FGM requires a collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the dangers and lack of benefits associated with FGM.
- Speak Out: Challenge traditional beliefs that perpetuate this practice.
- Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations working to end FGM need our backing.
- Advocate for Stronger Enforcement: Ensure laws against FGM are rigorously enforced.
The fight against Female Genital Mutilation is a fight for the health, dignity, and fundamental human rights of millions of Nigerian women and girls. With concerted action and unwavering commitment, we can accelerate the pace towards a future where FGM is a relic of the past.
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