The Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor. Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has enjoined community leaders and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to act with a collective commitment to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprehensively in the state.
Nwifuru made the call yesterday, during a Press Conference to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, with the theme: ‘Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation”.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally-Displaced (BERWO), a pet project of Mrs Nwifuru, have called for strategic actions and activities to end the practice.
The wife of the governor said that the collective action, would shield the future where every woman and girl will live free from physical and psychological trauma of FGM.
According to her, despite slight decrease in prevalence of FGM in the country, recent data of over 200 millions, showed the practice remains widespread.
She reaffirmed commitment in raising more awareness about the physical and psychological consequences to eliminate the act.
“Ending FGM requires community approach to dialogue against the practice. And this day serves as a powerful remainder of our collective roles.
“BERWO is working with the state government to enact and enforce laws against the practice.
“We recognise strength of survivors and we extend support to them in the areas of health care, counseling and empowerment,” Nwifuru said.
In her remarks, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, Team Lead of BERWO, noted that the practice is a deep rooted culture of the people.
Echiegu stated that the act had reduced from 75 to 54 per cent, following tactical approaches and commitments with various groups in the state.
“We will continue to concrentise the people, engage communities, traditional leaders and birth attendants to accelerate the elimination of the female genital mutilation.
“Let the survivors lead the campaign. We are all involved in the fight by playing our roles to keep reducing the trend,” Echiegu added.
The Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi chapter, Rev Joseph Nwibo, said the association had realised the adverse effects and complications of the practice on women and girls in the state.
Nwibo said, “CAN has taken the advocacy to all churches and faithfuls to sensitise them on the consequences.
“The Holy Bible did not command us to circumcise women, only men.
Mrs Faith Nwanchor, the State Coordinator, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Taskforce, and Mrs Bertha Offor, Head of NAPTIP in the state, described the act as a crime and pledged to redouble efforts to end the practice in the state.
The President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Lilian Nwobashi, said the medical effect of the practice, comprised painful sexual intercourse, bleeding, prolonged labour, and broken homes, among other ills and health conditions.
Mrs Udoku Chinyelu, State President of the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria, Ebonyi branch, said the collective pledge on the day is to ensure that every girl and woman have rights to decide their own future.
Chinyelu told a press conference, that the action also include empowering women and amplifying their voices and foster a collective consciousness.
The event featured CSOs, NGOs, women groups and various activities to commemorate the day.