UNICEF says Osun, Ebonyi top chart in Female Genital Mutilation, calls for actions

NaijaAgroNet:

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has listed two Nigerian states of Osun, and Ebonyi as those topping chart in rates of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C) reports NaijaAgroNet.

Disclosing this in commemoration of 2017 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on Monday, February 6, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Mohamed Fall said that there are some five states in Nigeria with over 60 per cent FGM/C, with Osun and Ebonyi highest at 77 and 74 per cent respectively.

According to the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, UNICEF noted that the other states are Ekiti, 72 per cent; Imo, 68 per cent; and Oyo, 66 per cent.

Hence, UNICEF called on governments at all levels, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders to join together and end the scourge of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting in Nigeria.

“Every study and every bit of evidence we have shows there is absolutely no benefit to mutilate or to cut any girl or woman for non-medical reasons. It is a practice that can cause severe physical and psychological harm” Fall lamented.

UNICEF also explained that FGM/C comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other cutting of or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

NaijaAgroNet recalls that in February last year, Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Buhari launched a national campaign to end FGM/C, calling on all parties to work together to halt this harmful practice. Her call underlines the need for collective action at every level.

Isaac Oyimah/GEE

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