Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a pervasive issue, impacting the lives of over 200 million girls and women worldwide.
As we mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6th, the urgency to eradicate this harmful practice is more apparent than ever.
This year alone, nearly 4.4 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM, highlighting the pressing need for concerted action.
The Nigerian Context
In Nigeria, where an estimated 19.9 million survivors reside, FGM continues to pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of women and girls.
While progress has been made with 13 states enacting laws prohibiting FGM, challenges persist, particularly in addressing prevalence rates among young girls.
The practice often occurs before the age of five, with immediate and long-term consequences on physical and mental health.
Understanding FGM
FGM encompasses various procedures, classified into four types, each with its own set of immediate and long-term complications.
Female genital mutilation is classified into 4 major types:
Type 1: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).
Type 2: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).
Type 3: Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.
Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
From severe pain and bleeding to urinary and sexual problems, the ramifications of FGM are profound and enduring.
However, amidst these challenges, there is hope for change.
UNICEF’s Efforts
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is intensifying its efforts, particularly in Nigeria’s southwest region, to raise awareness and foster community dialogue.
By engaging civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, and religious leaders, UNICEF aims to challenge existing norms and promote gender equality. Moreover, the involvement of men and boys is crucial in shifting societal dynamics and combating FGM.
UNICEF is stepping up its efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) in Nigeria, particularly focusing on community dialogue and awareness campaigns in the southwest region.
A Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Lagos Office, Denis Onoise highlights Nigeria’s alarming position as the third-highest globally in terms of women who have undergone FGM/C. The risk of this harmful practice is especially acute within the first five years of life, with prevalence rates remaining high in southwest states.
Despite these concerning statistics, there’s a glimmer of hope in the fight against FGM/C, particularly among younger age groups.
Recent data shows a significant decrease in prevalence among girls aged 0 to 14, dropping from 25% to 8% as of 2021.
However, sustaining this positive trend requires ongoing advocacy and awareness-raising efforts.
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Civil society groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are vital players in driving awareness and sensitization campaigns, engaging in advocacy meetings with traditional and religious leaders to challenge prevailing gender norms.
These collective efforts are yielding results, with reports indicating a steady decline in FGM/C prevalence due to heightened community engagement and dialogue.
UNICEF emphasizes the importance of engaging men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting more equitable power dynamics.
Through partnerships and collaborative initiatives, UNICEF aims to amplify efforts to reduce FGM/C prevalence and protect the rights and well-being of girls and women across Nigeria.
More on UNICEF position on FGM here
The Role of Survivors
Survivors of FGM play a pivotal role in driving change.
By amplifying their voices and sharing their experiences, they challenge entrenched beliefs and advocate for the rights of women and girls.
UNICEF emphasizes the importance of investing in survivor-led movements and accelerating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030.
Challenges and Progress
While cultural and economic factors may perpetuate FGM, the tide is turning.
Coordinated efforts, grounded in human rights and gender equality, are essential for achieving lasting change.
Through survivor-led initiatives, community engagement, and global partnerships, we can accelerate progress towards a future free from FGM.
Ending female genital mutilation within this generation is still possible if we accelerate our progress 10 time faster. That is why the United Nations strives for its full elimination by 2030, following the spirit of SDG5.
Commemorating Zero Tolerance
As we commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, let us reaffirm our commitment to ending this harmful practice.
By investing in survivor-led movements and collective action, we can ensure a brighter, safer future for all women and girls.
Together, we can empower change and build a world where every voice is heard and every future is free from harm.
Written by F.Omosola
