FGM violates rights, endangers future of girls – Mrs Soludo

The Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has decried Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice, describing it as a violation of the rights and dignity of girl children and womenfolk.

Soludo, the Founder, Healthy Living Initiative, expressed her concerns over FGM practice in a statement issued on Friday in Awka to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

She said there was nothing culturally or morally justifiable about subjecting the girl child to the lifelong pain and trauma associated with FGM.

She said: “The practice of FGM should no longer exist in modern society because it constitutes a breach of the fundamental rights of girls and women.

“The victims often suffer long-term physical and psychological consequences that can negatively affect their wellbeing throughout life.”

Soludo explained that available global statistics show that about four million girls undergo FGM annually and many at very young ages.

“Also, over 230 million women and girls worldwide are already living with its consequences and require medical support,” she said.

She also emphasised the need for increased advocacy and education to empower girls and women to lead campaigns against FGM.

“Education is a critical tool for human capital development and social change,” she said.

She urged communities and stakeholders to urgently address the practice.

According to her, continued silence and tolerance of harmful cultural practices can endanger the future of young girls.

She, therefore, called for immediate action to eliminate FGM, adding that efforts to end the practice should not be delayed.

Our correspondent reports that the day is observed every Feb. 6, to take stock of progress, recognise what has worked and confront the scale of what remains to be done to end the harmful practice.

The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Towards 2030: No End to FGM without Sustained Commitment and Investment”.