The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
CHRICED made this known in a statement to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
According to the statement, FGM is not merely a cultural issue; it is a profound violation of human rights that inflicts severe physical and psychological harm on countless women and girls.
The statement signed by Gender and Social Inclusion Officer, Falilat Adamu, said: “The repercussions of FGM extend far beyond the immediate physical injuries, leading to long-term health complications, emotional trauma, and social stigmatization that can hinder the affected individuals’ ability to lead fulfilling lives.
“In Nigeria, the fight against FGM is bolstered by the nation’s commitment to international standards, particularly the United Nations Resolution aimed at the elimination of this practice. The Nigerian government has taken significant steps to address this issue through the enactment of progressive legislation. One notable piece of legislation is the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015, which explicitly criminalizes all forms of violence, including the practice of FGM on minors. This law represents a critical step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations.
“Additionally, the National Gender Policy serves as a framework for promoting gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women and girls. It explicitly prohibits FGM and other harmful traditional practices that target women and girls, reflecting a broader commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive free from violence and discrimination.
“However, recent reports from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveals that about 20% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced FGM. According to UNICEF, Nigeria accounts for the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. In certain regions, the practice remains deeply entrenched in community traditions, leaving many young girls vulnerable. Across Africa, the scale of the problem is even larger, with over 200 million women and girls affected by FGM and nearly 3 million girls at risk each year. These figures remind us that behind every statistic lies a story of pain and lost potential.
“As we observe this important day, CHRICED calls on all stakeholders, policymakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and every concerned citizen, to join us in the fight against FGM. This should form priority in every conversation, every community meeting, and every act of advocacy, until our efforts bring us closer to a Nigeria and Africa where every girl can grow up free from the threat of FGM, confident in her right to a healthy, dignified life.