by FIDA

Branch ActivitiesFebruary 5, 20250 comments

FIDA Nigeria Press Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Theme: Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM

Nigeria is among the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM! According to the United Nations, Nigeria ranks third globally for FGM cases, with nearly 19.9 million survivors. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reveals that 20% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM, with particularly high rates in the South East (35%), South West (30%), and South-South (24%) regions

Therefore as we commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), FIDA Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every girl and woman. FGM is not only a harmful traditional practice but also a gross violation of human rights that causes profound physical, psychological, and social harm. This cruel practice must be eradicated in all its forms.

Key Nigerian laws which explicitly prohibit FGM, include:

✅ The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act) – Section 6 criminalizes FGM and imposes strict penalties for offenders.

✅ The Child Rights Act, 2003 – Sections 11 and 21 prohibit harmful traditional practices that threaten children’s health and rights.

✅ State Laws – Some states, such as Lagos, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Osun, have enacted specific laws banning FGM, though enforcement remains a significant challenge.

We must ensure the implementation of these laws for the benefit of girls and women. FGM has no health benefits and only serves to rob girls and women of their autonomy, safety, and dignity.

Alarmingly however, the practice of medicalized FGM is on the rise, where healthcare providers perform FGM under the false guise of safety. This is a clear violation of medical ethics as there is no form of FGM that is safe, acceptable, or justified.

The theme for this year, emphasizes the critical need for collaboration and action at all levels to eradicate this practice.

FIDA Nigeria therefore calls upon all stakeholders to take decisive steps in the fight against FGM:

• Law Enforcement Agencies must rigorously enforce anti-FGM laws, prosecute offenders, and provide justice for survivors.
• Traditional and Religious Leaders should publicly denounce FGM and dismantle the harmful myths that perpetuate it.
• Healthcare Professionals must refuse to participate in FGM and report any cases where it is being practiced.
• Civil Society Organizations must continue to raise awareness, engage communities, and create safe spaces for survivors.
• The Government must prioritize the elimination of FGM by allocating resources, strengthening enforcement, and implementing sustainable intervention programs.

We cannot afford to relent in the fight against this practice. For every girl at risk, for every survivor in pain, and for the millions still vulnerable to this form of gender-based violence—

FIDA Nigeria remains resolute in its advocacy, intervention, and legal action to ensure that no more girls suffer from this injustice.

The time to act is NOW. Not another girl. Not another cut. Not another stolen future.

Signed:

FIDA Nigeria
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President
FIDA Nigeria

Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria

EndFGM #ZeroTolerance #ProtectOurGirls