A group of women under the banner of National Council of Women Society has campaigned against female genital mutilation (FGM), in Osun State, saying the practice is life threatening.
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The group made the assertion in Osogbo, during a sensitization and training programme organized for women in the state.
Aduke Obelawo, an anti-FGM advocate, who spoke to the women, said the problems of female genital mutilation were many and could last a lifetime.
“There are immediate and long term problems arising from FGM. It could cause infection, difficulty in child delivery and formation of colloids in the private parts among others.
“The economy is also affected and the home is affected. It is a threat and violation of the human rights of girls. We have rights to our bodily integrity. It affects the health rights,” she said.
Obelawo, while urging mothers in the state to voice out against FGM, described the practice as archaic and unsupported by all of the world religions.
She urged the women to speak out against the practice and report to appropriate authorities those still indulging in the illegal act.
“We have cultural practices that are good for us and our children, but when we have some cultures like FGM that affect our lives and health, then we should kick against it and abolish it.
“We must rise to save our children from agonies and financial hardship. Survivors must speak out. Let us mainstream the message. We should join forces to condemn FGM so that the target 2030 will be realized,” she added.
Also speaking, another anti-FGM advocate, Bukola Ejiade, implored the women to let the dangers inherent in Female Genital Mutilation spur them to action against it.
“So, I urge us to take the campaign to the grassroots, churches and mosques and to our families, so that people will desist from the practice of Female Genital Mutilation.”
A lawyer, Grace Williams, educated the women on the legal implications of engaging in FGM and stressed that violators were liable to jail terms and other punishments.
She said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act which criminalizes FGM also stipulates punishments for those who aid and abet the practice.
Participants in the training expressed readiness to tag along and speak out against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in their state.
The programme was organized as part of activities marking this year’s United Nations International Day of zero tolerance for FGM with the theme: “Her Voice, Her Future.”
