By Wisdom Agbonta
Towards eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) in Edo State, the State Government through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has inaugurated the State Technical Working Committee as part of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) support project.
The Committee is to oversee the implementation of eradicating FGM in four local government areas in the State namely, Oredo, Egor, Ovia South-West, and Igueben. The project being implemented by the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), a non-governmental organization, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Ministry of Health, is a crucial step towards accelerating transformative action to end FGM.
In an address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, asserted that the State Technical Committee will play a vital role in ensuring the successful implementation of the project. She acknowledged the UNICEF project to be in harmony with the Ministry’s strategic priorities aimed at promoting social development and protecting human rights.
“The Ministry has a core mandate to provide social protection and fight for the rights of vulnerable groups to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence in the State; hence, we applaud this laudable initiative. Our sincere appreciation goes to our partner, UNICEF, for including Edo State as one of the benefitting states. I want to use this medium to urge the Committee members to work collaboratively, leveraging on their expertise and experience to drive the process. Together we can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the elimination of FGM in Edo State,” Chief Idaomi concluded.
The permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian listed the severe consequences of FGM to include immediate risks like excessive bleeding and infection, as well as long-term effects such as scarring, damage, and psychological trauma. He emphasized that unlike the male circumcision, which has some recognized health benefits, the FGM has no medical justification and poses significant health risks.
In a virtual participation, the Executive Director of WRAHP, Mrs. Bose Ironsi, with the UNICEF representatives, expressed optimism about the project’s prospects, citing the evident enthusiasm and commitment of participants. She asserted that the project’s success will pave the way for larger initiatives and create a lasting impact.
Highpoint of the event was the Oath-taking ceremony, where the newly inaugurated members pledged to uphold their responsibilities and work towards the successful implementation of the project.
