Female genital mutilation is archaic, fight against it, says Anambra commissioner

Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, says the continued practices of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is outdated and should be stopped.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Tuesday, Obinabo disclosed that more than 200 million girls and women are being subjected FGM unwillingly and time is now apt to discourage its continued practice in present day.

On Tuesday, the world celebrated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, with the theme: ‘Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation”.

Obinabo said that the outdated practice is usually meted out to underage girls and baby girls at birth, warning that this needs to be corrected before the victim’s future is ruined.

The Commissioner said that the Anambra government has commenced a massive awareness campaign to enlighten women on the dangers of the practice with the intention to change their mindset on the old-fashioned practice.

She said since it is practiced based on traditional beliefs, traditional rulers, health workers, women organizations and community leaders are encouraged to educate the women, especially those in the rural areas, on the inherent dangers of the practice.

Obinabo said that FGM involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.

“It is worrisome that people still embrace such archaic practice despite the awareness to discontinue the act.

She said that the FGM has no health benefits, rather it causes severe bleeding and problems of urinating, which later leads to health issues like cysts, infections.

She also disclosed that the act causes huge complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

The commissioner said that the practice of FGM is recognized globally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

Obinabo said the action reflects the deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women.

“We need the traditional rulers, women community leaders, NGOs, churches and traditional worshippers to partner the government to stop the FGM in the state.

“Traditional practitioners practice these on minors and it is a violation of the rights of children, a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity.

“These are rights to be free from torture and cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment; and the right to life, in instances when the procedure results in death,” she said.

She urged all health stakeholders and women bodies to save women from severe pain, excessive bleeding, genital tissue swelling, infections fever, and even death, amongst other ills.

Obinabo described the practice as a social norm and unnecessary social pressure to do what others have been doing, warning “now that we know better, let’s join hands with the government to fight against the practice.