According to two United Nations (UN) organizations, Nigeria has the third-highest number of female genital mutilations, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors, including both girls and women.
The United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Population Fund also reported that 4.3 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation this year, with the figure expected to rise to 4.6 million by 2030.
The agencies stated in a joint statement made available to Independent Newspapers on Monday that unless urgent action is taken, the world will miss the target of ending FGM by 2030.
According to independent sources, February 6 is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the goal of amplifying and directing efforts toward the abolition of this practice.
The theme for this year is ‘Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM,’ according to a statement signed by Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, Ph.D, Communication Officer (Advocacy, Media & External Relations), UNICEF Enugu Office.
FGM refers to all non-medical procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs.
According to experts, the practice has no health benefits for girls and women and causes severe bleeding and urination problems, as well as cysts, infections, complications in childbirth, and an increased risk of newborn mortality.
Read the complete article by Chioma Umeha Independent.ng
