Group seeks End to Female genital mutilation
The Young Men’s Network against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, a socio-cultural pressure group in Imo state Nigeria, has advocated for an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state. The group’s Programme Coordinator in Imo, Felxfame Enisire, led the advocacy during an inaugural football tournament organized by the group in Owerri on Wednesday.
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FGM is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia of girls and young women for non –medical reasons.
The practice is found in some countries of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within their respective diaspora communities, who believe that it is a way to control women’s sexuality.
Enisire, therefore, said that the tournament, with more than 2,000 youths from Mbaitoli and Owerri North local government areas participating, was meant to raise awareness about the need to end FGM among young people.
He said the event was organised with support from Youth Hub Africa under the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on elimination of FGM.
He added that the football match is an innovative and impactful way to raise awareness, engage communities, advocate for the abandonment of this harmful practice, and reach a wider audience of young people in their space of interest.
“The tournament featured two football clubs, one from Orji in Owerri North and the other from Mbieri in Mbaitolu Local Government Area. As the footballers displayed their skills on the field, they were not only competing for victory but also joining forces to combat a deeply ingrained cultural practice that affects countless women and girls,” he said.
The participants were educated about the harmful consequences of FGM and encouraged to play an active part in raising awareness and advocating for its elimination in their communities.
The footballers and their coaches expressed appreciation to UNFPA and Youth Hub Africa for the innovative approach of using sports as a medium for change.
NAN/Jane Aluko
