Joy as 137 Osun communities declare end to genital mutilation

It was a big sigh of relief as 137 communities in three local government areas in Osun State declared an end to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which had been rampant among them. The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) had warned that the act, which involves partial or total removal of […]

It was a big sigh of relief as 137 communities in three local government areas in Osun State declared an end to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which had been rampant among them.

The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) had warned that the act, which involves partial or total removal of the external female genital organ, was a harmful practice and gross violation of the fundamental human rights of girls and women, and seriously compromises their health and psychosocial well-being.

The UNFPA warned that the FGM poses increased risk of infection, bleeding, prolonged labour, stillbirth and maternal death during childbirth, just as it leaves lasting physical and emotional scars and an irreparable physical damage on the affected women.

According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, Osun State had the highest FGM prevalence rate in Nigeria. The frightening trend resulted in a rigorous campaign, led by the wife of the governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, against the practice in the state.

Reinforced by additional intense sensitisation on the danger by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), 47 communities in the Orolu local government area, 39 communities in Ife East local government and 51 communities in Oriade local government had officially declared they would no longer circumcise their female children.

At a public declaration held at the secretariat of the Ife East local government area of the state, traditional leaders and community leaders signed a social agreement that they would not allow the FGM practice anymore in their communities.

The Ajiroba of Abata Egba, Alhaji Badiru Akamji Adeoye; the Balogun of Wanikin, Chief Emmanuel Awoyera and the Akinrogun of Iyanfoworogi signed the social agreement of behalf of representatives of the communities, as even the circumcisors made oral vow in the public to desist from the practice.