The Nation Consultant of the United Nations Kids and Schooling Fund in Nigeria, Christiane Mundaute, has stated that greater than 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone genital mutilation.
Mundaute stated Nigeria accounts for 10 % of this determine, which is estimated at 19.9 million.
Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, spoke on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State, at a symposium to mark the Worldwide Day of Zero Tolerance for Feminine Genital Mutilation, organized by the Workplace of the First Girl of the State, which suggests: “Nigeria has the third highest variety of girls and ladies on this planet who’ve undergone feminine genital mutilation.”
In keeping with her, “Regardless of a slight decline within the prevalence of FGM within the nation, current information exhibits that the observe stays widespread right here in Kwara.
“The prevalence of FGM is highest amongst girls aged 15 to 49, at 58%, and for the age group 0 to 14 years, the prevalence is 35 %, that means that roughly 1 in 3 ladies will expertise feminine genital mutilation,” she stated.
“We should act with a collective dedication to alter to deal with this drawback in a complete approach. UNICEF, along with our sister company UNFPA, has co-led the biggest international program to eradicate FGM, according to the imaginative and prescient of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Growth.”
She said that. “In Nigeria, there’s a joint UN program, began in 2014 in high-prevalence states, that’s increasing to different areas with this observe.
“This demonstrated our dedication to ending FGM. This 12 months's theme is 'Her voice. Her future. Investing in survivor-led actions to finish feminine genital mutilation” resonates with the journey we’re taking collectively to eradicate this dangerous observe.
“Within the voice of each survivor is a testomony to resilience, braveness and the unwavering spirit to form a distinct future.
“At this time we amplify these voices – the voices of survivors who should not solely regaining their lives, but in addition main actions to finish FGM.
“Their tales are a robust testomony to the energy inside and encourage us to motion. A significant milestone achieved in 2023, led by the Authorities of Nigeria in partnership with UNICEF, is the Motion for Good to Finish FGM. This initiative, facilitated by ten youth-led civil society organisations, has efficiently scaled up grassroots social mobilization efforts – thus far we’ve obtained greater than six million pledges – to assist ladies vulnerable to FGM throughout the nation to guard.
“Moreover, adolescent ladies, outfitted with the information and abilities, are advocating for change by means of neighborhood engagement, main extra individuals to brazenly denounce the observe and take motion to guard ladies from FGM.
“Each survivor who takes a step ahead contributes to a future the place no lady will endure the ache and penalties of feminine genital mutilation.
“Let's come collectively, amplify these voices and put money into the survivor-led actions. Collectively we will create a future the place the echoes of ache are changed by the refrain of empowerment, resilience and a powerful declaration that FGM has no place within the lives of our ladies, in our communities and in our nation.”
On her half, AbdulRazaq stated: “Though present statistics on the prevalence of the observe are much less favorable to the state, the Kwara State Authorities led by His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the undesirable development is turned.
“That is clearly mirrored within the implementation and promulgation of the Regulation on the Prohibition of Violence in opposition to Individuals and different current protecting legal guidelines to fight considerations associated to feminine genital mutilation, baby marriage and different comparable points whereas actively selling the dignity of each baby , lady and girl on this planet. Stands”.
She added: “Nonetheless, to enhance these efforts of the state authorities and deal with the considerations of girls, youngsters and youths, my workplace and the Ajike Individuals Help Heart have educated and educated a number of thousand girls and youths within the vocations of the state outfitted with working instruments. their selection.
“We’ve additionally led advocacy efforts to finish all types of gender-based violence, assist schooling for ladies and certainly all youngsters, and encourage wholesome diets for moms and kids.
“Along with this and in recognition of the truth that the management of girls and ladies is essential to accelerating progress and contributing to equitable social and financial improvement, the Kwara State Authorities has handed the 35 % gender inclusion signed, whereas repeatedly supporting girls's improvement. and inclusion in all areas”.
In keeping with the World Well being Group, FMG is a conventional dangerous observe involving the removing of all or a part of the exterior feminine genital organs or different accidents to the feminine genital organs for non-medical causes.
