Christian Aid UK has rolled out side by side network to help faith leaders identify issues on Gender Based Violence GBV which also includes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The Program Manager Gender and Inclusion, Christain Aid UK, Mercy Okeke noted this at a live webinar in commemoration of the just concluded International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) .
She explained that the network will be in each region across the country with the aim to speak up and address the injustice partaining GBV,FGM and other issues adding that they are reaching out to the duty bearers at each community level .
The topic of the webinar was : FGM: Changing the narrative unite against Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria.
She said they want to see a peace and equitable society because they know that part of the underline cause of poverty is the health expense .
She further expressed concern that in society across the world , women continue to suffer these harmful practices. “It is always against their will and it is the violation of human right”.
Also, a panelist and the Managing Director / CEO of EIDS limited , Dr Ejiro Otivie said FGM is a violation of the human right of young girls and women.
She said FGM calls for commitment in 3 key domains which are the enabling environment to tackle it, how to protect and care for letigation, addressing and changing the societal norms .
According to her, FGM has to do with injury of the female genital that has no medical justification adding that it is rampant in every states in Nigeria .
Also, the program manager Health Reform foundation, Aanu Rotimi said the strategic approach to curb FGM is to enagage the state actors and non state actors.
“The state actors are the policy makers, decision makers who have a role to play. They should make fund available and ensure that the law should be passed at the appropriate level.
“There should be strengthening collaboration between the enforcers and all the relevant enforcers to have the deep knowledge.
“The non-state actors should stop the culture of silence, the need for the religious leaders , traditional rulers others to ensure to get to the grassroots in addressing it .
“We need to change our focus, we need to involve the adolescent . We need to pursue commitment to hold our leaders accountable to their promises and commitment ,” she said.
