By Mohammed Abubakar,
Damaturu
UNICEF has called on governments at all levels, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders to end the scourge of female genital mutilation and cutting in Nigeria.
UNICEF Communication Officer (Media and External Relations), Samuel Kaalu, made the appeal in a press statement, while
marking the day earmarked against genital mutilation.
He stated: “Every study and every bit of evidence we have shows there is absolutely no benefit to mutilate or to cut any girl or woman for non-medical reasons. It is a practice that can cause severe physical and psychological harm.”
He disclosed that the rate of female genital mutilation was higher in five states in Nigeria. According to him, rates of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) are more than 60 per cent, with Osun and Ebonyi highest at 77 and 74 per cent, respectively, as documented in the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey. The other states, he said, are Ekiti, 72 per cent; Imo, 68 per cent; and Oyo, 66 per cent.
FGM/C comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other cutting of or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
In February last year, Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, launched a national campaign to end FGM/C, while calling on all parties to work together to halt the harmful practice. Her call underlines the need for collective action at every level.
UNICEF is working with Federal and state governments, especially in the southern states where the practice is most prevalent, training partners, creating awareness at all levels and working with communities to convince practitioners and community members to promote an end to the practice.