Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Parents and caregivers in Ebonyi state have pledged their commitment to the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ebonyi state.
This was made known during a 3-day training for peer mobilizers in schools organized by United Nation Population Fund (UNPFA) to address the increase rate of the practice in the state.
The event held at Presco secondary school, Abakaliki brought together over 90 participants, including FGM champions and parents on the need to ending FGM in the state.
Speaking, an FGM champion, Gift Akor pointed the harmful implications of the practice, which involves the cutting of the clitoris of female children. “FGM is becoming a serious issue in Ebonyi State, causing more harm than good. People are dying from it, and many are battling severe infections. This dialogue is part of a global movement to end FGM, but we are focusing on Ebonyi because it is one of the states with the highest prevalence,” she said.
Akor revealed that the movement involves a grassroots approach, engaging students in schools across the state to serve as FGM champions. “We are working with five schools, including Presco Secondary School, Great Mind School, and Government Girls Model Secondary School, among others. These champions educate their peers about FGM and how to end it,” she explained.
“As part of the initiative, a session was held last week with over 100 students, and the recent dialogue extended the conversation to their parents and caregivers. The role of parents is crucial. They can support their children and also become advocates against FGM in their communities,” Akor stressed.
Akor further lamented that Ebonyi ranks among states with the highest rates of FGM in Nigeria, alongside Cross River and a few others. According to her unlike other regions where FGM is performed during specific rites, the practice in Ebonyi is carried out secretly, making it more difficult to curb. She further revealed that survivors in the state have continued to share their experiences, many requiring medical attention at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki.
Meanwhile, participants at the dialogue expressed gratitude for the enlightenment and pledged to take action against FGM in their communities.
Chukwu-Obeni Maureen, a parent from Afikpo North, stated, “This meeting has empowered me. I now understand the implications of FGM, and I am committed to educating others about it. From now on, I will ensure no girl child in my community undergoes this harmful practice.”
Similarly, Otti Ama, another participant from Edda LGA of Ebonyi state, vowed to take the message to rural areas and engage traditional rulers. “We will carry this knowledge to the hinterlands and involve traditional rulers in the fight against FGM. They need to understand the harm it causes, and we are committed to making a difference,” he said.