Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) denies the woman of the right she has to her body. The VAPP Law in Ondo State made provisions for perpetrators and accomplices to either serve a jail term of four (4) years, pay a fine, or both depending on the case in question and the pieces of evidence that surround it.
This formed our discussion during our End Summer Cutting radio program on Crest 87.7FM on Wednesday 1st September 2021.
The Rhealyz Africa Advocacy event featured Bar. Jumoke Ogunjebi, a legal practitioner, and Ayomiposi Aluko a certified Midwife in Ondo State. The show was anchored by a multitalented broadcaster Omolola Akinbo.
According to the legal practitioner, the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Ondo State, anyone found guilty will be sentenced to a 4 year jail term with/or an option of fine of 400,000 Naira. Anyone who aides or advice someone to practice FGM is liable of a 2 year jail term with/or an option of fine of 200,000 Naira.
The program had a lot of feedback with a great number of male callers reaching out during the show and even after. They showed gratitude and support for the radio advocacy with some mentioning some specific locations in the state where the practice is still rampant. They requested more media advocacy and community engagements to address the prevalence.
The radio advocacy program was supported by Global Media Campaign to End FGM and UNFPA.
