The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has pledged to abolish all forms of violence and harmful traditional practices endangering the health and dignity of girls.
She made the pledge in Abuja at a five-km annual walk to create awareness on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and cancer in collaboration with the Women Against Violence & Exploitation (WAVE) Foundation and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to Minister, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of FGM with related complications that has exposed women to reproductive health challenges such as bleeding, Infections and infertility, among others.
“In spite of Government and partner’s positive interventions, high and community level advocacy, capacity building of circumcisers, including provision of alternate income for circumcisers, FGM practice still persists in our society. We need to provide more education by increasing advocacy on the health danger posed on girls and women” She stated.
Dame Pauline Tallen called on stakeholders to continue to provide support for girls and women suffering from complications of FGM, cancer and all forms of violence against women and girls.
The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA country Representative, Ms Ulla Mueller, described FGM as a gross human rights violation melted out on women and girls and eliminating the practice would help actualizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets on health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
A Former Nigeria Football, Mr Emmanuel Babayaro, stressed the need for notable Nigerian celebrities to join in the fight against FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls.
The Executive Director, Global Women Peace Foundation, Ms Angela Peabody represented by the President of WAVE Foundation said the walk was to raise more awareness, globally on the ills of FGM as it affects the Girl-Child, women and the nation.
Reporting by Azizatu Sani; Edited by Adeniyi Bakare