- WOTCLEF Calls for prosecution of offenders
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has described female genital mutilation (FGM) as “an unhealthy wicked traditional practice targeted at girls with no health benefits to the woman.”
In commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2024, FIDA Nigeria in a statement signed by its Country Vice President, Amina Suzanna Agbaje stated that: “The scars left by FGM indeed run deep, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of survivors.”
Likewise, the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) during an online interactive session held on Wednesday called for the prosecution of offenders.
During the session themed: Violence Prevention, Interventions and Gaps: Commemoration of FGM Day, participants agreed that while advocacy, education/enlightenment backed by evidence should be used to discourage this abhorrent practice the provisions of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) in 2015.
Section 6(2) of the Act criminalises and punishes anyone who performs, or engages another to perform, female circumcision or genital mutilation. Section 6(3) criminalises and punishes anyone who attempts to perform, or engage another to perform, the practice.
Essentially, the Act provides that the person who performs the circumcision and the person who procures the circumciser will be punished with an equal term of imprisonment not exceeding four yeras or to a fine not exceding N200,000 or both.
FIDA on its part stressed its commitment to investing in survivor-led movements. The statement titled: Her Voice. Her Future, reads:
Investing in FGM Survivor-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation
Every Survivor’s voice is a loud and powerful cry, calling out for ACTION; collective action to end the vicious cycle of the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) in Nigeria.
FGM is an unhealthy wicked traditional practice targeted at girls with no health benefits to the woman. Rather she is exposed to a host of medical complications which includes physical pains, emotional and psychological trauma, sometimes resulting in grave consequences such as death.
It is a serious violation of a woman’s human right, however because it is deeply rooted in cultural and traditional beliefs it has remained difficult to change in Nigeria
The haunting echoes of pain and suffering caused by Female Genital Mutilation demand our collective attention and action.
FIDA Nigeria believes in the strength and resilience of survivors in reclaiming their lives. The scars left by FGM indeed run deep, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of survivors. Persons who ordinarily would have had a full and fruitful life riding to the Pinnacle of their chosen fields.
As the world observes the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on the 6th of February 2024, FIDA Nigeria stands in solidarity with such survivors and amplifies the theme for this year: Her Voice. Her Future.
“The Sustainable Development Goals contain a specific target calling for an end to FGM. When this practice is fully abandoned, positive effects will reverberate across societies as girls and women reclaim their health, human rights, and vast potential.” — UN Secretary-General
FIDA Nigeria recognizes survivors are not just victims but resilient individuals whose voices need to be heard. Their stories are a good testament to the urgency of our collective responsibility to eradicate this harmful practice.
This year’s theme, “Her Voice. Her Future.”, emphasizes the importance of empowering survivors to become leaders in the fight against FGM.
FIDA Nigeria is committed to investing in survivor-led movements, providing them with the support and resources they need to drive change in their communities.
Survivors are not statistics; they are living testaments to the strength of the human spirit. Their voices matter, and it is time for us to listen and act.
We believe in the positive impact of continued sensitization and advocacy especially at the grassroots through collective efforts to shout ‘No To FGM’ to save women.
Everyone has a part to play speaking out against FGM’ as practiced in your communities and educating the youth especially. Women affected should report to the closest health facilities around you to be properly checked to avoid infections and other dire consequences.
Support women to succeed
Join FIDA Nigeria on 6 February 2024 as we amplify
HerVoiceMatters in leading the #EndFGM movement. Together, let us create a future where every girl and woman is free from the shackles of Female Genital Mutilation.
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
