Brave Dickson
The Rivers State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation with a call to end the harmful practice.
This year’s theme is “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation,” which is marked every 6th of February.
A statement jointly signed by the state FIDA chairperson, Adata Bio-Briggs and Publicity Secretary/Editor, Sophia Afolayan said, “this year (2023) marks the 12th anniversary of the ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation’.
“The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“The day provides the opportunity for governments, member – states, civil society organisations, activists and other relevant stakeholders to raise awareness, renew commitments and reiterate that Female Genital Mutilation is an unacceptable harmful practice and a violation of the basic human rights of women and girls.
“FIDA Nigeria Rivers State Branch, today joins the rest of the World to mark this day. The 2023 theme is ‘Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation’.
“With eight years left in this decade of action, there is great potential in eliminating this harmful practice through sustainable partnerships with men and boys.
“Today, men and boys are more educated and receptive to change than before, and in most countries, there is every likelihood to disapprove of Female Genital Mutilation and domestic violence than women and girls.
“Partnering with men and boys, without removing the focus from women and girls, ensures families, communities, institutions, and policy-makers support and invest in girls to promote the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation.
“FIDA Rivers calls on the global community and all relevant stakeholders to partner with men and boys and foster their engagement to accelerate the elimination of this harmful practice and uplift the voices of women and girls in our society.”
