By Anita Uzoagba
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has reiterated the need to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
Mrs Geraldine Etuk, National President of NCWS, made the call at a one-day sensitisation workshop on FGM laws, surveillance, reporting, and persecution of GBV cases in Abuja on Wednesday.
Etuk emphasised that FGM was a serious human rights violation, recognised as a form of torture and a violation of the rights to health, dignity, and equality.
She noted that over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, with Nigeria having one of the highest prevalence rates.
“In spite of being outlawed by the Federal Government, FGM is still practiced in many Nigerian communities.”
Etuk stressed that FGM was a major obstacle to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls, adding that it was a violation of human rights and a major public health concern.
The president also highlighted that GBV could take many forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
She noted that the Nigerian government passed the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015, which prohibits FGM and provides penalties for those who engage in the practice.
“In addition to the national law, many Nigerian states have enacted laws prohibiting FGM.”
Etuk expressed gratitude to NCWS state presidents, affiliate organisations, partners, and sponsors for their support in eliminating FGM and promoting gender equality.
Mrs Yewande Gbol-Awopetu, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Justice, noted that FGM was sometimes seen as a rite of passage, prerequisite for marriage, or a means to control female sexuality.
She emphasised that FGM was prohibited under Section 6 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, and those who performed or engaged in FGM were liable to imprisonment.
Gbol-Awopetu, who is also Head of Sexual and Gender Based Violence, (SGBV) Response Unit, urged everyone to educate girls in their respective neighbourhoods about the dangers of FGM.
Mr Stephen Nwankwo from the Federal Ministry of Health thanked NCWS and its sponsor, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for the sensitisation programme.
Nwankwo encouraged the participants to cooperate and ensure the event’s purpose was achieved.
He added that the ministry was committed to eradicating FGM from Nigeria.
