Survivors of FGM should always speak out against it – Professor Ojengbede

By Olumide Ogunbiyi

Survivors of female genital mutilation, FGM, should always speak out to discourage others from engaging the harmful practice.

Director, Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, CCPRH, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede, gave the charge at this year’s celebration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, with the theme, “Her Voice, Her Future: Investing In FGM Survivor-Led Movement to End FGM”, held at Jericho Nursing Home, Jericho, Ibadan.

Professor Ojengbede said survivors voicing out against FGM, would strengthen the resolve and dedication of people to supporting the movement for zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.

Also speaking, the Southwest coordinator of United Nation Population Fund, UNFPA who is also the FGM analyst of the organisation, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji maintained that every survivor’s voice is a call to action, and every choice they made in reclaiming their lives contribute to the movement to end the harmful practice of FGM.

Mrs Ayodeji further revealed that over four million girls would be at risk of FGM if efforts are not intensified to end the practice.

She commended stakeholders for their support for women and girls battling with FGM.

In a remark, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of Jericho Nursing Home, Dr. Bashil Kasika said that he was glad that the event is coming up at the nursing home noting that the facility boasts of a sexual assault referral centre where they care for victims of sexual assault.

In goodwill messages by various stakeholder organisations at the event, they commended UNFPA and CCPRH for their steadfastness in working to end the dangerous practise.

The event was attended by officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Health, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, media and FGM survivors.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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