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Report on Radio Advocacy for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Report on Radio Advocacy for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Distinguished Colleagues,

I am pleased to present a report on the radio advocacy event organized by our branch to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6th. The event was broadcast on 96.9 Cool FM Abuja and featured our Chairperson, Chibuzo M. Nwosu, and Vice-Chairperson, Francisca Akaniro-Opara.

During the program, the focus was on Section 6 of the VAPP Act 2015, which explicitly prohibits Female Genital Mutilation, carrying a penalty of up to 4 years imprisonment. Our Chairperson underscored the gravity of FGM as an offence in Nigeria and elucidated the associated risks, including diseases from unsterilized tools, excessive bleeding leading to fatalities, and psychological trauma.

Christiana Ojiabo, a survivor of female genital mutilation from the Agalagu community in Nigeria, is a dedicated farmer and advocate who speaks out against FGM in her community, using her own experience to help others understand the risks and consequences.

Furthermore, our Chairperson highlighted FIDA’s key role in combating FGM through targeted advocacy efforts in rural communities. She emphasized the necessity for sustained advocacy, enlightenment programs, and widespread awareness of the VAPP Act 2015 to eradicate this barbaric practice.

In conclusion, our Vice-Chairperson provided FIDA hotlines 080-35876082 and urged the public to report any instances of FGM to our branch.

Please find attached photos from the radio interview for your perusal.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe

Public Relations Officer

WHAT IS (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, health and integrity of girls and women.

Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.

Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, female genital mutilation is a universal issue and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America. Female genital mutilation continues to persist among immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Over the last three decades, the prevalence of FGM has declined globally. Today, a girl is one-third less likely to undergo FGM than 30 years ago. However, sustaining these achievements in the face of humanitarian crises such as disease outbreaks, climate change, armed conflict, and more could cause a rollback of progress toward achieving gender equality and the elimination of FGM by 2030.

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