Stakeholders lament ordeal, seek concerted efforts to end female circumcision

STAKEHOLDERS in the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) have described the old custom as a violation of basic human rights of women and girls, calling for a multi- disciplinary approach to ending FGM, which would involve legislations, professional health organisations, women empowerment and public sensitization.

They made the call at a one- day capacity- building workshop on FGM on Wednesday. Noting that 45 out of every 100 adult women living in Lagos State have undergone female genital mutilation as reported in the National Demographic Health Survey, the stakeholders lamented that most times, FGM was usually done against the person’s wish, causing almost irreversible damages to the victims. The workshop was organised by Hacey Health Initiative, with the support of the Spotlight Initiative.

A victim, Mr Popoola of Babatunde Egungbohun Street, Ayobo, made a plea for the stakeholders to come to his rescue, saying he received a letter in October 2020 from their family head mandating him to provide their daughter ( name withheld) for family circumcision rites, which the elder insists remains an ancient tradition held in high esteem.

He noted that despite the campaigns by many foundations and bodies, female circumcision is still being carried out unchallenged in many rural communities.

He added that in most of the communities where they practised FGM, it was generally believed to be essential to raise a girl and make her eligible for marriage, despite the severe health implications on the girl- child.