UNICEF Kicks Against FGM, Says It Violates Women’s Rights

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for stronger action against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), stressing that it violates women’s fundamental human rights.

Speaking at a two-day media dialogue organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF in Benin, Edo State, UNICEF’s Child protection specialist, Lagos Office, Denis Onoise, explained that cutting the clitoris robs women of their sexual health, a consequence that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars.

Onoise further argued that FGM is neither a necessity nor a cultural practice that should be sustained, maintaining that subjecting girls to the harmful procedure undermines their happiness and overall well-being, urging communities to abandon the practice in order to protect the dignity and future of women and girls.

In her message to the training, the Chief UNICEF Lagos Field Officer, Celine Lafoucriere, expressed dissatisfaction with how some states are still involved in FGM despite the campaign and sensitization to enlighten people on the negative effect of the act.

According to her, nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM, hence the need to find a lasting solution to it.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Mr Rotimi Babalola, noted that there is need to end FGM in Nigeria in lieu of its health danger to females and appealed to participants to step down the experience gained during the two-day training to others in their respective states.

He promised that the Oyo State Government would continue to partner with different agencies to improve on the health of Nigerians.

Babalola lamented the high rate of the harmful practice in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States, saying there is a need for proactive measures to stop the act in the interest of the unborn generation of female children.

Sexual and Reproductive Health-FGM Consultant, Aderonke Olutayo, emphasized the need to dispel deep-seated misconceptions about the practice.

She explained that many communities wrongly believe FGM prevents promiscuity, while others perpetuate myths about sexual satisfaction.

The FGM consultant urged faith leaders, parents and community influencers to challenge harmful narratives and prioritize the wellbeing of girls and women.