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By Madu Obi
As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA, and the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, have said that Nigeria accounts for 10% of global female genital mutilation, placing her the third highest in the world.
To mark the day, the two world bodies reaffirmed their commitments to eliminate the harmful practice, calling for collective action against it.
The UNFPA and UNICEF noted that of the 200 million women and girls’ survivors of female genital mutilation globally, about 20 million are Nigerians.
They said that despite critical progress being made in elimiinating FGM and a significant decrease in the national prevalence among women and girls aged 15–49, latest estimates show that progress needs to be at least 10 times faster to meet the global target of FGM elimination by 2030.
They said: "FGM in Nigeria is mostly carried out on girls between the ages of 0 and 15 years (91 percent before age 1, showing that girls under the age of 1 are at the greatest risk of cutting.
"Female genital mutilation is a violation of women’s and girls’ rights, one that endangers their physical and mental health and limits their potential to lead healthy and fulfilling lives."
"It increases their risk of serious pain, bleeding and infections and the likelihood of other health complications later in life, including risks during childbirth, which can imperil the lives of their newborns."
"Despite the progress made so far, towards ending FGM, we recognize the need for sustained efforts. We must amplify the voices of survivors to raise awareness and inspire collective action and promote their power and autonomy by ensuring they have an active role in prevention and response interventions.
"Survivors have first-hand knowledge of the challenges they face and the tools needed to eliminate the practice."
"It is crucial that we invest in survivor-led movements, especially at the grassroots level, by dedicating resources that will advance their efforts".
They said that for more than a decade, the joint programme has supported survivors of FGM, prioritizing investments in survivor-led initiatives, centered around facilitating their leadership as advocates for change at community and global levels.
"In Nigeria, this intervention includes the establishment of FGM Survivors networks and initiatives that empower them with the skills needed to be drivers of change against the practice in their communities and to increase their access to survivor centered FGM response services, including health, education, social services and justice."
"We must join hands to protect our girls and women from the physical and emotional consequences of FGM."
"It is not only a violation of their rights but also a barrier to their full potential," the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate said
Her UNFPA counterpart, Dr. Gifty Adundun added: "Let us stand together, united in our resolve to end Female Genital Mutilation.
"Every girl deserves to grow up free from harm, with her rights and dignity intact. Together, we can break the chains of tradition and ensure a future where no girl is subjected to this harmful practice."
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