As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, has reiterated the urgent need to end the harmful practice, describing it as a gross violation of human rights that causes severe physical and emotional trauma while reinforcing gender inequality.
Highlighting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target to eliminate FGM by 2030, Senator Banigo emphasized the devastating impact of the practice on women and girls. “FGM is a serious health and human rights issue that continues to endanger lives and limit opportunities for countless women and girls. It is unacceptable that this practice persists,” she stated.
A Harvard-trained public health physician and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Banigo has worked extensively with communities, traditional leaders, and healthcare providers to combat FGM and other health challenges. Her initiative, Protect the Girl Child, has been instrumental in advocating for women’s rights, eradicating gender-based violence, and providing rehabilitation, counseling, and necessary interventions for survivors. The initiative collaborates with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
This year’s theme, “Step Up the Pace,” underscores the urgent need for collective action to eradicate FGM. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Banigo continues to champion legislative reforms, policies, and programs that protect the rights and well-being of women and girls in Nigeria.
Representing Rivers West Senatorial District, she remains committed to amplifying the voices of her constituents, many of whom are disproportionately affected by FGM. She stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to raise awareness, educate communities, and implement concrete measures to eliminate the practice.
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“Ending FGM requires a unified effort. We must work together to create a future where every girl can thrive, free from violence, discrimination, and inequality,” she affirmed. “Empowering women and girls is one of the most critical steps in breaking the cycle of FGM in Nigeria.”
