Daud Olatunji
In a recent revelation by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria stands as the third-highest country globally in terms of the number of girls and women affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The UN agency highlighted that approximately 10% of the estimated 200 million girls and women worldwide who have undergone FGM hail from Nigeria, reaching a staggering 19.9 million individuals.
UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, brought this alarming statistic to light during the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The event, organized by the wife of Kwara State governor, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, took place in Ilorin, the state capital, where concerns were raised about the persistent prevalence of FGM in the region.
Despite a slight decrease in FGM prevalence in the country, the recent data unveiled by UNICEF underscores the persistent nature of the practice, particularly in Kwara State.
Munduate pointed out that FGM prevalence is highest among women aged 15-49, reaching 58%, while for the 0-14 age bracket, it stands at 35%.
This implies that approximately one in every three girls in the state has experienced Female Genital Mutilation.
In response to these concerning figures, Munduate emphasized the need for collective commitment to address the issue comprehensively.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has spearheaded the largest global program aimed at eliminating FGM, aligning with the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This year’s theme, ‘Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,’ resonates with the ongoing efforts to eradicate this harmful practice.
Munduate highlighted the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit of survivors, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping a different future.
Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the organizer of the event, appealed to traditional and religious leaders, acknowledging their role as custodians of culture, faith, and tradition, to actively contribute to the elimination of FGM from communities.
She also urged the media to play a vital role in disseminating relevant information to dissuade people from engaging in this harmful practice.
As the global target aims to end female genital mutilation by 2030, AbdulRazaq emphasized the need for stakeholders to redouble their efforts, with a special commendation for UNICEF’s partnership and shared commitment toward ending all harmful practices affecting women and girls in Nigeria.
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