Senator Biodun Olujinmi has raised alarm over millions of girls and women who are still at risk of Genital Mutilation.
Olujinmi representing Ekiti South, who stated this to mark International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation demanded for enforcement of legislation that have been put in place to protect the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.
She said, ” officials statistics note that there is still high prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria, with reports saying people now resort to seeking the services of health processionals, as opposed to traditional practitioners.
“Whichever practitioners chosen does not alter the fact that, this practice , rains dangerous and life changing, with life lasting mental and physical damage. Impediment to a fulfilling life and barrier to emotional stability bare also some of the aide effects.
” Therefore it is imperative that sensitisation and public awareness of this grievous harm to the bodies of girls and women must continue apace. The myth around this practice of being beneficial must be dismantled once for all
It is a health risk and damaging socio-cultural norm and must be denounced as such
“Hand in hand with this, is the fact that policy and legislation that have been put in place to protect the rights of women and girls must be enforced and be seen to serve as a deterrent.
” Undoubtedly, there are millions of girls and women who are still at risk and this is why behoves us all to speak out against this violation of right.”
The former Minority leader urged stakeholders like Royal Fathers , Faith based organizations and women centered organizations to continue in their efforts to educate about stop Mutilation and cut of girls and women in Nigeria.