The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State, has condemned the act of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a destructive practice in which the female genital organs are partially or completely removed.
NAWOJ in a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeola Ekine and its secretary, Lilian Ario, joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on feb.6.
It serves as an opportunity for all stakeholders involved in ending FGM to celebrate achievements, advocate for abandonment of the practice and raise awareness.
According to the statement, the 2023 theme: “Partnering with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM”, calls on the global community to partner with men and boys and foster their engagement to accelerate the elimination of this harmful practice and uplift the voices of women and girls.
It said: “According to The World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million girls and women have suffered FGM in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where FGM is performed.
“The act, which is typically performed on young girls between the ages of one and 15, is evil in its entirety because it is done without consideration for a woman’s future and ultimately kills her sexuality” the statement read.
Ekine said: “This horrible deed is done without medical reasons and it needs to cease to avert more harm to our young ladies.”
She added that it indicated continued gender inequality and was a serious sort of injustice against girls and women.
“A young woman’s right to life, in cases where it results in death, as well as her right to health, safety, and physical integrity, as well as her right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhumane, or humiliating treatment, are all violated by FGM.
“The practice can cause excessive bleeding, urinary problems, cysts, infections, challenging deliveries, and an increased risk of stillbirth for girls and women.
“It also has no beneficial effects on their health.
“Lagos NAWOJ is urging the proper authorities to ensure that the practice is entirely eliminated in all the tribes that are still engaged in it” she said.
