The Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun has described Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a societal problem which is being enabled by poverty, illiteracy and dearth of adequate information.
Mrs Balogun explained that Governor Seyi Makinde led administration has taken steps to end Female Genital Mutilation across the state.
Speaking on the Theme of this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, “HER VOICE, HER FUTURE, the Honourable Commissioner said over two hundred million girls and women alive today who are survivors of Female Genital Mutilation.
The Commissioner attributed the existence of FGM in the society to culture which according to her has override the law, making it difficult to identify and perhaps punish the perpetrators accordingly. Her words:
“There are over 200 million girls and women alive today who are survivors of FGM
“Girls are today one third less likely to be subjected to FGM compared to 30 years ago; however, progress needs to be at least 10 times faster to meet the global target of FGM elimination by 2030.
“In 2024, nearly 4.4 million girls – or more than 12,000 each day – are at risk of female genital mutilation around the world.
“1 in 4 survivors underwent female genital mutilation by a health worker.
“Daughters of FGM survivors are at significant higher risk to undergo FGM compared to daughters of women who have not undergone FGM.
“The financial cost of health care for FGM survivors is about USD 1.4 billion every year.
“ENDING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION BY 2030”
“Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women.
“Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
“Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa including Nigeria most unfortunately and the Middle East, female genital mutilation is a universal issue and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America.
“More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. This year, nearly 4.4 million girls will be at risk of this harmful practice. This equates to more than 12,000 cases every day.
“With seven years remaining in this decade of action, our collective actions must be centered around creating environments where girls and women can exercise their power and choice, enjoying full rights to health, education, and safety.
“A collective effort to end this harmful practise will enable the Girl Child reach her fullest potential.”