PRESS BRIEFING ON ENDING FGM IN NIGERIA

I am highly delighted to welcome you all to this important press briefing, focused on ending Female Genital Mutilation/Circumcision/Cutting (FGM/C) in Nigeria. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

The practice can cause short and long-term complication, including chronic pain, infection, increased risk of HIV transmission, anxiety and depression, birth complication, infertility and in the worst cases, death. It is globally recognized as an extreme violation of the rights of women and girls.

FGM violates human rights principles and standards including the principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the rights of the child and the right to physical and mental integrity and even the right to life. FGM has no known health benefit and it causes lifelong physical and psychological harm. It affects the family, community, relationships and economic development.

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the first-ever resolution against female genital mutilation calling for intensified global efforts to eliminate the practice. In 2015, FGM was included in the sustainable development goals under Target 5.3, which calls for the elimination of all harmful practices.

In some societies FGM is considered a rite of passage, in others it is seen as a pre-requisite for marriage or attributed to religious beliefs. The practice is considered a means of maintaining chastity and preventing promiscuity or infidelity.

CURRENT FGM STATISTICS

FGM is practiced in both rural and urban areas. More than two hundred (200) million women and girls have undergone FGM globally with 10% of them living in Nigeria. We have 20 million women and girls that have undergone FGM in Nigeria and many others are at risk. According to UNICEF recent statistics, the states with the highest prevalence of FGM in Nigeria are Osun 77%, Ebonyi 74%, Ekiti 72%, Imo 68%, Lagos 45% etc.

MEDICALIZATION OF FGM

About 1 in 5 girls who have been subjected to FGM had the procedure performed by a trained medical professional. In some countries, this number is as high as 3 in 4 girls. UNICEF data indicates that 28% of FGM cases are carried out by a health professional. FGM can never be “safe” and there is no medical justification for the practice even when the procedure is performed in a sterile environment and by a health care professional, there can be serious health consequences immediately and later in life. FGM performed in hospitals gives a false sense of security.

Trained health professionals who perform FGM are violating girls and women’s right to life, right to physical integrity and right to health. Health workers are advised to resist social pressure to perform FGM, and serve as advocates for prevention and protection in the communities they serve.

THE LAW

On May 25th 2015, the past President Goodluck Jonathan signed the federal Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act into law. Among other issues, the law bans FGM and other harmful traditional practices. But the VAPP Act only applies to the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) in Abuja. It is up to each of the 36 states to domesticate the 2015 VAPP ACT and pass it into law. Previously 11 out of 36 states had enacted laws banning FGM (Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, Delta, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo).

However, there is an inconsistency between the passing and enforcement of laws in Nigeria. That is why some states like Osun and Ekiti where they have existing laws have started training law enforcement officials on the law banning FGM.

The National Policy and Plan Action for the Elimination of FGM in Nigeria 2013 -2017 is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Implementation is ongoing in various states in Nigeria.

EMERGING ISSUES AND GAPS

Despite having a wide spectrum of media platforms, with broad reach across the country, FGM has not gained sufficient media coverage and is not yet a topic discussed widely or openly. However, visibility of the issue is on the increase. There is increased awareness of the reality and prevalence of FGM and personal dialogue is beginning through discussion on social media and on blogs. There is an optimism about the increasing momentum of FGM. I therefore seek for the support of the media to join the campaign and help amplify the messages.

I am calling on all faith leaders and traditional rulers to act as change agents, challenge misconceptions that FGM is a religious and cultural requirement and be proactive in ending FGM.

Finally, Change is possible and the desire for it is rising from within the women themselves. This is the time when we can achieve transformational change in our societies. It is up to all of us individually and collectively to make this happen.

Let’s join hands to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Together we can make SDG-5 which is inequality work for our women and girls.

Together we can end FGM in Nigeria.

Thank you and God bless.

Mrs. Lola Alonge

Executive Director

Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI)