The United Nations Children’s Fund has raised concern that Nigeria holds the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation around the world and called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to end the act.
The UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, says Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent, which is estimated at 19.9 million of 200 million girls and women worldwide that have undergone FGM.
She disclosed this in Ilorin on Tuesday, while speaking at the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, organised by the wife of Kwara governor.
The UNICEF representative also said despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of FGM in the country, recent data shows that the practice remains widespread in the state.
According to her, approximately one in every three girls experienced FGM, adding, “FGM prevalence is highest among women aged 15-49, reaching 58 per cent and for the 0-14 age bracket, it stands at 35 per cent.
“We must act with a collective commitment to address this issue comprehensively. UNICEF, along with our sister agency, UNFPA, has co-led the largest global programme on the elimination of FGM aligning with the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“This year’s theme, ‘Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation resonates with the journey we collectively embark upon to eradicate this harmful practice,” Munduate said.
According to her, every survivor’s voice lies as a testament to resilience, courage and the unwavering spirit to shape a different future.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, enjoined traditional and religious leaders, who are the custodians of culture, faith and tradition, to join in the drive to ensure that the harmful practice is phased out from their communities.
She also urged the media to actively engage in the dissemination of relevant information to dissuade people from engaging in the practice.
“As revered citizens, I commend our traditional and religious leaders for their support of the programmes and activities of the government. I sincerely urge your royal highnesses to extend this support to our quest to end this practice,” she appealed.
The governor’s wife said stakeholders have to redouble efforts and ensure that all hands are on deck to meet the global target of ending FGM by the year 2030.
She added, “It is in the light of this that I commend UNICEF for this remarkable partnership and shared commitment toward ending all harmful practices that may deter our women and girls from reaching their full potential in all facets of life.”
(NAN)
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