Today, the world marks the international day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation , FGM with the theme ” No time for global inaction ,unite ,fund and Act to end FGM.
A United Nations Population Fund , UNFPA report reveals that in 2021 alone , there are 4.16 million girls around the world who are at risk of undergoing FGM.
To this end, civil society organizations in Ondo state who spoke with Olufisoye Adenitan have advocated for more stiffer penalty for violators of rights of girls.
Female Genital Mutilation is the outright removal of the female genitalia with the belief that it gives room for promiscuity UNFPA however says it a total abuse of the girl – child which also pose serious threat to her health both present and future.
UNFPA has over the years swung into action with the hope of eradicating the practice by 2030 following the sustainable development goals 5.
It also stressed that one of the measures to reduce the menace in the society is to enable girls have voices, choices and control over their lives.
Due to the global pandemic, statistics by UNFPA reveals that as many as 2 million cases of FGM may be averted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Ondo State, civil society organizations and other stakeholders are not left out in the campaign against the practice .
The Executive Director of kids and teen resource centre, Mrs Folasade Ogungbamigbe stressed the need for more enlightenment especially at the grassroots on the health implications of the practice .
Mrs Ogungbamigbe also expressed the resolve of the civil society in the state to continue to fight for the rights of the girl child and be a voice to the voiceless.
Similarly, the Executive Director, MAI initiative for human development, Ayotomiwa Ayodele raised the concern about the prevalence of FGM despite the level of awareness in the society.
She called for stringent measures by government to deal decisively with perpetrators of the devilish act especially in the rural areas where it is most prevalent .
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in ondo state, NAWOJ through it’s chairperson, Doris Olumoko advovated concerted effort to eradicate the scourge in the society .
Mrs Olumoko promised that the association would continue to champion giving voice to the voiceless in the fight against any form of abuse and human right violation in Ondo state.
Olufisoye Adenitan
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