In observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day dedicated to raising awareness and mobilising efforts to eradicate this detrimental practice, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has urged decisive action against this scourge.
As stated on February 6, 2025, in Abuja by the Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, addressing female genital mutilation necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to educating communities, leaders, and individuals regarding the harm caused by FGM, its consequences, and the importance of abandoning the practice.
He said the theme for this year’s International Day, “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” emphasised the need for collective action and urgency to eliminate this practice by 2030.
Dr. Duru further emphasised that female genital mutilation is a brutal practice that has been perpetuated for centuries, leaving millions of girls and women worldwide with physical and emotional scars, stressing that such a heinous act of violence against women and girls is a gross human rights violation that must be eradicated.
It is argued that FGM is practiced in over 30 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM worldwide.
He decried that girls and women who undergo FGM are at risk of chronic pain, infection, infertility, and complications during childbirth, and also at risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
Emphasising that FGM is perpetuated by a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors, making it a rite of passage and a way to prepare girls for marriage and womanhood in many African communities.
To curtail this detrimental practice, he urged stakeholders to enact and enforce laws that prohibit FGM and develop policies that support the prevention and protection of girls and women from FGM.
He maintained that civil society organisations should provide support to victims and survivors of FGM, as well as media outlets such as journalists, broadcasters, and social media influencers who can help raise awareness and promote positive messages about ending FGM to change cultural and social norms.
The Ambassador-at-Large reaffirmed that the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is committed to supporting actions to end FGM and promoting the rights and dignity of girls and women worldwide.
“By working together and taking a comprehensive approach, we can end FGM and promote the health, well-being, and human rights of girls and women around the world,” he noted.
Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
That’s great work. Thanks lot
Highly commendable. great work