The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has hailed Ebonyi State for its “commitment and leading role” in the campaign to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across its communities.
The commendation was made on Thursday by Dr. Zubaida Abubakar, Gender/GBV Management Specialist, UNFPA Nigeria.
She spoke during a community dialogue and consensus-building meeting in Amagu Community, Abakaliki LGA.
The event was part of an ongoing campaign by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with UNFPA, targeting the seven autonomous communities in Abakaliki LGA.
Dr. Abubakar, who led the UNFPA team on a working tour of the state, said the agency’s support is driven by the dedication shown by the state government and traditional institutions.
She said: “UNFPA can only support where there is commitment.
“Since we came into Ebonyi, the government has been committed and our royal fathers have been committed.
“What else can we do but see success in Ebonyi.
“As you are thanking UNFPA, we are equally thanking Ebonyi for leading the race to end FGM in the state.
“You are doing well, and we congratulate you.
“The women and girls of Ebonyi are too beautiful for you to touch.
“Do not mutilate them.
“You have so much colour and vibrancy which should be nurtured and not harmed.”
Abubakar pledged UNFPA’s continued support for programs advancing the wellbeing of women, girls and children.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Felicia Nwamkpuma, the Permanent Secretary, Linda Aloh, said Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife have shown “unprecedented” commitment to maternal and child health.
Aloh listed the dangers of FGM to include difficult childbirth, acute genital injuries, VVF, excessive bleeding and death, and urged stakeholders to support efforts to end the practice.
The Head of Department of Women Affairs and Project Director, Nwakaego Igboke, said the dialogue was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of FGM, assigning roles to different groups, and setting a date for a public declaration of abandonment in the community.
Speaking for CSOs and CBOs, the Executive Director of RIDHEC-C, Doris Aja-Okohu, lamented that despite years of campaign, FGM still persists underground, often championed by women themselves.
Aja-Okohu said: “Research has shown that the practice is sustained by some traditional and cultural beliefs.
“So much so that in spite of public confessions, the practice still thrives in the dark.”
She called for collective cultural action to end it and warned that government has enacted laws and set up a state taskforce to prosecute perpetrators.
In his response, the Traditional Ruler of Amagu, Eze Fidelis Nwonumaru, pledged stricter enforcement. He said the community already has local legislation including seizure of land for anyone caught practicing or encouraging FGM.
“Our women are important to us and there is every need we protect their health and our future,” the monarch declared.
Goodwill messages were received from other partner organisations including the Governor’s wife’s BERWO.
