Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
FGM is a procedure that involves the altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This act is recognized internationally as an abhorrent violation of the human rights, the health, well-being and the integrity of girls and women.
FGM is a form of gender-based violence, an extreme form of discrimination against women. It has NO health benefits and must be stopped.
The consequences of FGM are not farfetched. Procedures can cause severe bleeding, urinary problems and later cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth, increased risk of newborn and maternal deaths. The lasting psychological effects on victims can be traumatic, often leading to long-term mental health issues and sexual dysfunction(s).
This year, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation and the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC) jointly launched the 2021 theme: "No Time for Global Inaction, Unite, Fund, and Act to End Female Genital Mutilation."
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many nations are experiencing crisis within crisis as the UN estimates that an additional 2 million girls are thought to be at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation by 2030.
The task of ending FGM lies with parents, community leaders, government authorities, children and young people to raise awareness, transform behaviours and put an end to these harmful traditional practices.
We need a society where our women and girls can make decisions about their own sexual and reproductive health and well-being. We call on the global community to reimagine a world that enables girls and women to have a voice, choice, and control over their own lives.
It’s time to end FGM, protect survivors and fully uphold the rights, dignity & health of women and girls everywhere.
The time to act is now #EndFGM . We must all raise our voices to say, enough!!!
H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma First Lady, Imo State