The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, has condemned practice of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) in some parts the state and called for arrest and prosecution of the offenders.
This was contained in a statement signed by Chairperson of the association, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginy and Secretary, Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi to commemorate International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), With the theme “Step up the Pace”.
The association expressed dismay that despite the domestication of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law in 2018, the practice still persists in the state.
It opined that the association was committed to amplifying the voices of survivors and advocating for policies and programs that promote gender equality and justice.
The association called on the state government to strengthen the law which prescribes a five-year prison sentence for anyone who carries out FGM, and make policies to protect survivors of the practice, provide adequate funding for programs and services that support survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice as the world marks the
The union leaders maintained that NAWOJ was deeply concerned about the non-prosecution of FGM offenders in the state, and appealed to relevant stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the domesticated Violence Against Persons law.
They noted that according to UNICEF’s ranking, Imo State ranks 1st at 38% prevalence among women aged 15-49 years and 9.7% prevalence among girls aged 0-14 years. In Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra States, the prevalence among women aged 15-49 years stands at 20.4%, 20.3%, 19%, and 13.1% respectively.
“The prevalence among girls aged 0-14 years in Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra stands at 3.7%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 0.2% respectively. While there has been an appreciable drop in prevalence, especially among women aged 15-49, when compared to previous years’ MICS and NDHS data, the target is yet to be met.
“This is a critical time to step up the pace, especially through strengthening alliances among grassroots activities, communities, government, organizations, and the private sector to build a powerful social movement that ends harmful norms.
“We urge the government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in ending FGM in our society,” Oginyi said. “We must work together to create a society where women and girls are valued and respected, and their rights are protected.” they said.