UNICEF, NOA LEAD NGOs TO END FGM IN EBONYI
REPORTER: AMECHI ODO
Ebonyi is one of the states in Nigeria with high prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is considered to be an obnoxious cultural practice against women’s reproductive health rights.
To address the trend, the State government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners embarked on strategic sensitization aimed at encouraging the abandonment of the practice in communities across the state.
A visit to some communities in Ohaukwu Local Government Area hitherto known for FGM prevalence however shows high level of compliance with the call for an end to the practice.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting is the deliberate partial removal or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other non medical reason.
The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicates that Ebonyi State ranks third with the prevalence rate among women aged 15-49, reducing from 74% in 2013 to 53.2% in 2018 survey and placed behind Imo and Ekiti states.
Prior to community level sensitization and stakeholders engagement in the fight against the practice, Ohaukwu was one of the Local Government Areas in Ebonyi State where Female Genital Mutilation was being practiced as a rite of passage to woman hood in the area.
The Traditional Ruler of Umuagara Community in Izhiamgbo Ohaukwu, Eze Chinedu Agbo, explained that with increased sensitization, the people no longer observe the rite of passage known as Ite Utara, noting that any perpetrator caught in the act would be handed over to the government for prosecution.
‘’The community was sensitized and they stopped the practice but it was not everyone that accepted to abandon the culture but I am collaborating with my Chiefs and vigilante group to ensure that anyone who perpetrates the act will be arrested and prosecuted,’’ he said.
The situation was similar in Amaeku Autonomous Community as the Traditional Ruler, Eze Peter Awoke, emphasised that the practice had been abandoned by the people while anyone caught would pay a fine of One hundred thousand Naira.
‘’I am having a meeting with people working at the Health Centres to ensure that no one is coming there to circumcise a female child,” the royal father stated.
Investigations reveal that while stakeholders and community leaders were embracing the campaign against the practice, Traditional Birth Attendants continued to carry out secret cutting of female babies in the area.
However, the situation has changed as an FGM Champion in Iziamgbo, Mrs. Chinyere Onwe, said her group had deepened awareness on the need for expectant mothers in the hinterlands to deliver in Health Centres and at the same time monitor those who may be tempted to cut their children.
‘’We are going round in the community telling them that it is not there work for the delivery and they are cooperating with us,’’ she said.
A survivor at Okposhieku Mgbo, who gave her name as Mrs. Rose commended UNICEF, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the government for liberating women from the negative cultural practice, emphasising that she still suffered from the complication that arose from the cutting of her genitalia prior to her marriage.
‘’The awareness created by the NGOs, NOA and UNICEF went a long way so far as I know because before now you can hardly see a lady that goes to her husband’s house without being cut,’’ he said.
Radio Nigeria also did random sampling of opinion on the practice and its cultural and reproductive relevance but all the respondents, including a mother of six, Mrs. Onyeka Igwe, said there was no gain in subjecting a woman and girl child to Female Genital Mutilation.
