The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has launched the SMART RR mobile application, a technology-based application about survivors, different healthcare providers and social workers, to report on cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), other health related issues
The UNFPA Deputy Representative to Nigeria, Erika Golson, launched the app at a UNFPA/ ESARO Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Hackathon in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to the latest report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), about four point three million girls are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and this number is projected to reach sixty eight million by 2030 if not addressed
While giving an update on the mobile application, the founder of Big Family 360 foundation and also the innovator of the SMART RR mobile application, Mr. Samuel Dirug explained that the app is basically designed to improve access to gender-based violence and FGM services across Nigeria.
“What prompted the creation of this app, is that women and girls in north-eastern part of Nigeria are always shy to report cases of GBV and FGM but through this application, their voices will be heard. So far, the Smart RR application has recorded around three hundred and twenty-nine cases and most of these cases have been rendered the various services from service providers within their locations.” He explained
The UNFPA Deputy Representative to Nigeria, said conflict, issues of climate change, rising poverty and inequality continue to hinder efforts to transform gender and social morals that underpin this harmful practices and disrupt the ones that help protect girls and women.
“In Nigerian NDHS, 2018, 20% of our women and girls age 15-49 are the 19.2 percent of women and girls that have undergone FGM. Despite the decrease in the national prevalence, from 25 percent to 19.6 percent, on this information, when you look at 2013 and 2018 demographic survey, Nigerian girls represent the 22 percent of the 68 million at risk of been mutilated by 2030, this is an alarming figure, and it is important for us to come together to look at creative and innovative ways, so we can try to ensure these practices are abandoned. “
She explained that the UNFPA joint program with UNICEF to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation is one of the largest global and national programs to accelerate the abandonment of FGM and improve the right of women and girls.
“This program has set a global movement through its innovative strategies to eliminate FGM.”
Stakeholders at the event while reiterating commitment to support the efforts towards the fight against FGM and GBV, maintained that fighting FGM and GBV is everyone’s business.
PIAK
