IAC, Women Led NGOs, Others Mark 2020 Int’l Day Of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation In Ondo
The Inter-African Committee (IAC), Ondo State chapter in conjunction with Association of Women For Human Development, popularly known as Women Led NGOs, and other NGOs which include Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), NAWOJ among others today marked the 2020 World International Day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation in Ondo State.
The event which kicked off with a health walk from Akure City Hall through major streets to Isinkan Health Centre, venue of the public awareness programme had in attendance market leaders, market women, members of the civil societies among others.
The Ondo State Coordinator for Women Led NGOs, Mrs. Esan Folake in her message charged women to continue to advocate an end to female genital saying many marriages have broken down as a result of the fact that many women were mutilated
According to her, women must take the lead in protecting their daughters against such acts that stands to jeorpadise their marriages in future.
The Ondo State spokesperson for FIDA, Bar. Bola Joel in her remarks said female genital mutilation is now a punishable offence under the law as it now attracts a 2-year jail term.
Bar. Joel who said it is quite unfortunate that women are often the major culprits when it comes to genital mutilations of their daughters said FIDA as an organization is always ready to protect the rights of women while frowning at any form of gender based violence.
In her lecture titled: ‘Eradication of Female Circumcision’, Mrs. Dare Owolabi traced the history of circumcision to the Bible saying it is only the male child that should be circumcised.
While restating that circumcision does not in any way stop a woman from being promiscuous said women whose genitals have been mutilated suffer many serious health conditions.
Mrs. Owolabi however used the opportunity to charge the women to be agents of change wherever they find themselves and be ready to preach the gospel that there is zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.
Earlier in her welcomed address, the Executive Chairman, IAC, Dr. Mrs. Module Dairo said the essence of the advocacy was to sensitize the people that there is zero tolerance for female genital mutilation in Ondo State and that those who flout the order will be duly prosecuted.
