Although Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is declining in Imo State, it must be completely eliminated to safeguard our daughters. Achieving a zero-tolerance level necessitated the inauguration of the Women Community Activation Network (W-CAN), organized by the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative with support from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. This sustainable platform for advocacy, accountability, and community transformation brings together focal women across the 27 LGAs of Imo State. Attendees and key stakeholders included Ugoezes (wives of traditional rulers), religious and community women leaders, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and market women representatives. Crucial institutional support was also represented by the Ministries of Health, and Women Affairs and Social Welfare, law enforcement agencies, traditional, political, and legal actors, and local media houses. Together, they affirmed their commitment to ending FGM, which causes severe physical and psychological harm, including chronic pain, infections, and even death, to our female children. With women leading this movement in Imo State and upholding the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of 2021, which criminalizes FGM, we stand united. Every girl has the fundamental right to grow up healthy, safe, and free from harm.

Women Community Activation Network (W-CAN)!!! Yes We Can!!

#EndFGM #HerBodyHerRight #ImoAgainstFGM #ProtectOurGirls #WCAN

#ChiomaUzodimma

Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, FIMC, CMC
First Lady of Imo State,
GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative,
Secretary, Renewed Hope Initiative and
Chairperson, First Ladies Against Cancer