The wife of Ebonyi State Governor Chief, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has called on religious leaders, civil society organisations, women groups, and other relevant bodies to show commitment to the fight against female genital mutilation and cutting through advocacy.
According to Mrs Nwifuru, the action, if taken, will reduce the deadly practice, thereby restoring the dignity of girls and women in the state.
Mrs Nwifuru gave the charge during a road work in Abakaliki to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance Against FGM organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and the Internally Displaced (BERWO) on Tuesday.
Her words: “Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
This practice has been proven to have no benefit for girls and women, causing lifelong problems for those who survive.
“Today, we stand united in our refusal to tolerate this violation of the rights and dignity of women and girls in Ebonyi State.
“FGM inflicts both immediate and long-term physical and psychological harm. It robs girls of their right to health, well-being, and bodily integrity. It perpetuates gender inequality and contributes to a cycle of discrimination and violence against women.
“Our gathering here today is a testament to the power of awareness. By acknowledging the existence and consequences of FGM, we take a crucial step towards its eradication. Awareness is the first key to change, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this knowledge is shared widely, dispelling myths and misconceptions that perpetuate the practice.
“My foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO), is ready to eliminate FGM.
We must work hand in hand with communities where the practice persists and foster an environment where the rights and well-being of girls are prioritised.
“While awareness and community engagement are vital, legal and policy measures play a significant role. The Government of Ebonyi State, the Nigerian First Lady’s forum with UNICEF, is working collaboratively to enact and enforce laws that criminalise FGM, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
“On this day, we also extend our support to survivors of FGM. These individuals have faced unimaginable challenges, yet their resilience is a testament to the human spirit.
“The BERWO Foundation provides support services, including healthcare, counselling, and legal assistance. We are readily available to those who have undergone or are at risk of FGM.
“Let this day be a call to action. Let us amplify our voices against FGM. By standing together with determination and resolve, we can ensure that no girl or woman will ever again suffer the physical and emotional scars of female genital mutilation, she stated.