UNFPA, Nigeria Step Up Efforts To End Female Genital Mutilation

THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammdu Buhari, and wives of state governors have formed a strategic partnership to end the practice of female genital mutilation and cutting in Nigeria.

Officials said the partnership is part of activities marking the 2016 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

The United Nations (UN) system, civil society and stakeholders observe 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and use the day to enhance awareness-raising campaigns and take concrete actions against female genital mutilations.

In a statement to mark the day, Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, called for collective action to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation by 2030.

He described FGM as a violent practice, scarring girls for life, endangering their health, depriving them of their rights, and denying them the chance to reach their full potential. 

“FGM is widespread. It is a global problem that goes well beyond Africa and the Middle East, where the practice has been most prevalent – affecting communities in Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. And the number of girls and women at risk will only get larger if current population trends continue, wiping out hard-won gains,” he noted.

Executive Director of the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Anthony Lake, stressed the need for support for more women and girls who have undergone the harmful practice and provide them with services and help to overcome the trauma they have suffered.