As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with the theme “Towards 2030: No End to Female Genital Mutilation Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” some residents of Port Harcourt have called on Nigerians to abandon the practice.
Female Genital Mutilation, which is a violation of human rights, infringes on the fundamental rights of girls and women. It involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
FGM is a harmful traditional practice rooted in gender inequality, myths about purity, and attempts to control women’s sexuality.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right of every individual to live under conditions that promote good health and access to healthcare.
According to statistics, over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM and require access to appropriate care services. An estimated 22.7 million more girls are at risk of being subjected to the practice by 2030 if urgent action is not taken.
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Some residents of Port Harcourt, including Mr. Ezekiel Marcus, Glory Baridam, Madam Leah, Mrs. Frances, and Evelyn Bestman, expressed varying opinions on the issue, with many condemning the practice.
A nurse, Mrs. Godsglory, while speaking on female circumcision, stressed that genital mutilation does not in any way influence the character or behaviour of an individual.
Similarly, a medical practitioner in Port Harcourt, Dr. Joseph Nwachukwu, said Female Genital Mutilation has lifelong and irreversible effects. He noted that victims may suffer complications such as urinary tract infections, infertility, and difficulties during childbirth.
They also highlighted the psychological effects of FGM, which include depression, low self-esteem, trauma, prolonged pain from delayed healing, and feelings of betrayal by family members.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed on February 6 every year.
