Under the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is unrelentingly advocated against as a glaring violation of human rights. FGM is a harmful practice with no medical or health benefits that results in severe physical and psychological consequences for women and girls. UNFPA advocates for the elimination of FGM worldwide, including in Nigeria, and works closely with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness, change attitudes, and enact legislation to prevent and end this harmful practice. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and the empowerment of women and girls to eradicate FGM and ensure their rights and well-being are protected.
FGM abandonment and its sustainability is possible by raising high-profile champions in communities to support efforts within society. In collaboration with the State Ministries of Women Affairs, Health, the National Council of Women Societies and other local NGOs in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states, UNFPA organized a training for women-led community-based organizations aimed at raising high-profile FGM women champions to further propel and advocate for the abandonment of FGM in their communities.
Fifty women selected from five communities in each state were sensitized on the short and long-term consequences of FGM. They were trained on their roles as women champions to end FGM and how to counsel survivors. They were also made aware of the laws and policies around FGM viz-a-viz the VAPP law for each state. For monitoring purposes, the women were also trained to on reporting tools for data collection and documentation.
