In 2012 the United Nations Assembly set aside every February sixth to commemorate the day to amplify and direct efforts on the elimination of this issue.
In this report, Correspondent, Amaka Okoye, sampled opinion of stakeholders on the significance of the day.
Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitals for non- medical reasons which is recognised internationally as a violation of human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women.
It was said that girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short terms complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections and difficulty in passing urine as well as long-term consequences for their sexual, reproductive and mental health.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Special Assistant to the Governor On Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs, Mr Onyeka Ebenebe said that female genital mutilation pose a lot of dangers to the health of girl child at the early stage.
He stated that the ministry has embarked on numerous activities in sensitising the women more especially those at the rural areas on the need to stop mutilation saying that sometimes, it leads to death due to excessive bleeding and infection from the instruments used.
The Chairperson of Girls Guide, Dr Helen Obi, who is also Vice Chairperson of FIDA Anambra state chapter, said that genital mutilation is one of the harmful practices against women which is humiliating and degrading pointing out that the essence of the act is to prevent a woman from having urged for sexual relationship.
A health Worker, Mrs Mercy Emoh, enumerated how the process of mutilation is being done and regretted that some women are still ignorant of it, adding that to promote the elimination of female genital mutilation, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, with focus on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and attention to the needs of women and girls who suffered from its consequences.
This year’s theme of the Celebration is Unleashing Youth Power: One Decade of Accelerating Actions for Zero Female Genital.
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