Sola POPOOLA
Stakeholders have been charged to renew commitment towards ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, by challenging the false legitimacy.
This was the focus of one-day training and sensitization workshop on Female Genital mutilation, Gender Based Violence and other Social Vices in the society.
The event was organised by a non governmental organization (NGO) the Balm In Gilead For Sustainable Development(BIGIF), in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The training was designed to equip participants with a clear understanding of national and state -level laws protecting FGM survivors.
The training is expected to strengthen participants skills in handling cases with sensitivity, confidentiality and protection for survivors and effective use of designated courts for GBV, VAC and FGM cases when instituted.
I’m his presentation titled : “Social Cultural and Gender Dimension of female genital mutilation”, Prof Christopher Oluwadare spoke about cultural myth and misleading narratives which often lure parent into indulging in harmful cultural Practice.
According to him ,these myths and unverified reports are being used to coarse unsuspecting parents to take part in the outlawed practice.
Professor Oluwadare noted that FGM was rampant more in educated states especially in southwest compared to northern states where they believe to have less educated people.
He therefore called on Religious leaders, Civil societies, Health workers and other concerned bodies to take up the camapaign against FGM seriously, advocating integration of traditional rulers especially ‘Iyaloja’s, women leaders and community elders to help propagate the dangers of the mutilating the female genitals.
“There is a belief that a child dies at childbirth when the clitoris touches the head which is totally false. The issue of female genital mutilation was propounded by some people and they have used scary stories to keep the narrative growing and this has caused many women discomfort that many women now find it difficult to enjoy sex in their marriage.
“The religious leaders, the respected women leaders in each of the communities are more closer to the people in the grass roots and such command influence amongst the locals and so when they are sensitized and knowledgeable its easy to pass the message across and the fight against FGM can be fruitful”.
Speaking on the laws and policies prohibiting FGM in Ekiti, Barrister Rita Ilevbare proposed strict punishment for anyone found engaging in the act of genital mutilation.
She called on the Ministry of Women Afffairs, Judiciary and law enforcement agencies to work together in order to put an end to FGM in Ekiti state.
The stakeholders also highlighted the dangers and risks associated with FGM which include: severe bleeding, pains, trauma, possibility of not enjoying intimacy with their husbands,infection amongst others.