NGO Urges Enforcement Of Laws Against FGM

By Blessing Akorowosi, OAU

A youth organization Initiative for Girls’ Right and Health Development wants all states government to implement laws against Female genitals mutilation

The founder and director of the Initiative, Girls’ Right and Health Development, Ayodeji Bello stated this at an annual conference held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun state.

Ayodeji Bello who is also a social development practitioner, with passion on girls’ right addressed hundreds of young people from various schools and institutions within Osun state to commemorate the Zero Tolerance Day for FGM/C.

Participants

Bello hinted that the organisation is focusing on making Comprehensive Sexuality Education a tool to crusade positive behavioural change in exchange for harmful traditional practices like FGM/C.

The Mother of the day and guest speaker, Her Imperial Majesty, Queen, Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi said cutting of the female genital part is totally wrong as every part of the body has it own function.

Her imperial majesty who was declared as the Ambassador of the organisation pledged to support the campaign to end FGM/C in Nigeria particularly in Ile- Ife.

“Mutilation is never the solution to end promiscuity. Beheading one’s head is never the antidote for headache. Rather, children should be educated on sexual health and reproduction which is also one of the things IGRHD is focusing on.” She added.

The cultural ambassador to His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oloye Morounranti Ashabi who was also speaker opined that Female Genital Mutilation is violence against the female gender and it.must be abolished.

Her Imperial Majesty, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi Addressing the participants

According to Oloye, “FGM is a sensitive issue because of the stigma on the victims. There is need to abolish this practice by enlightening the public on the harmful effects of FGM. As much as there are people working towards the abolishment of this agelong, harmful practice, there is a need to tread carefully because it’s a traditional practice which has been revered for years.”

The Cultural Ambassador identified breast ironing as another cruel practice melted on girl child in which hot metal is used on the their chest at the advent of breast budding.

“The public needs to be sensitized using technology through mediums like social media, text messages, visual images and also broadcasts, she also pledged to continually use her goodwill for the protection of the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in the world beginning with the entire Yoruba race.” She concluded.

On his part, a speaker on the panel, Mr Tomi Orioke criticized local practitioners who abuse women, adding that the act should be kicked against by all.

Co-founder of hacey health initiative, Miss Rhoda Robinson,noted that government at all levels should formulate policies and programmes that will enhance the standard of living of women and children.

The participants at the occasion were entertained with performances by Muyiwa Adigun, the Pelumi stage play crooner and OAU most talented lady singer.

CityMirrorNews reports that the organization will celebrate it 5th year anniversary in may.