Ebonyi Steps Up FGM Fight, Wins UNFPA Applause

Ebonyi State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, has intensified its campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, with a community dialogue held Thursday in Amagu, Abakaliki LGA.

The engagement is part of a state-wide push targeting the 7 autonomous communities in Abakaliki LGA, aimed at securing a public declaration of abandonment and stricter enforcement against perpetrators.

Dr. Zubaida Abubakar, Gender/GBV Management Specialist, UNFPA Nigeria, who led the team, commended Ebonyi for its political will and community ownership of the anti-FGM drive.

“UNFPA can only support where there is commitment. Since we came into Ebonyi, the government has been committed and our royal fathers have been committed. That is why we are seeing results,” she said.

She urged residents to protect women and girls, adding: “The women and girls of Ebonyi are too beautiful for you to touch. Do not mutilate them. Nurture their colour and vibrancy instead of harming them.”

Dr. Abubakar reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting health, protection and empowerment programs for women and children in the state.

Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barr. Felicia Nwamkpuma, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Linda Aloh said Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife have prioritized maternal and child health.

She listed FGM complications to include difficult childbirth, severe bleeding, genital injuries, VVF and death, and called on community leaders to help end the practice.

Mrs. Nwakaego Igboke, Head of Women Affairs and Project Director, said the dialogue was to raise awareness, define stakeholder roles, and fix a date for the community’s public declaration to abandon FGM.

Mrs. Doris Aja-Okohu, Executive Director of RIDHEC-C speaking for CSOs and CBOs, said FGM persists in secret despite public denials because of deep-rooted cultural beliefs.

She urged collective action and reminded the community that government has passed laws and constituted a state taskforce to arrest and prosecute offenders.

The Traditional Ruler of Amagu, Eze Fidelis Nwonumaru, pledged the cabinet’s support. He disclosed that the community has local bylaws, including seizure of land, to punish anyone involved in FGM.

“Our women are important to us. We must protect their health and our future,” the monarch said.

The campaign by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with UNFPA support continue across the remaining communities in Abakaliki LGA.