Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation
The wife of the Ekiti State Governor has renewed calls for the elimination of female genital mutilation, warning that the practice remains a serious violation of the rights, dignity and health of women and girls.
The renewed advocacy comes amid growing national and global efforts to end the practice, which health experts, human rights advocates and governments have consistently described as harmful and unjustifiable.
This explainer examines why the Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation, the significance of her intervention, the scale of the problem in Nigeria, and what it means for public health and human rights.
What the Ekiti First Lady Said
Speaking during an awareness event in Ekiti State, the First Lady emphasised the urgent need for sustained commitment, community engagement and public education to eradicate the practice.
She warned that female genital mutilation continues to endanger the lives and wellbeing of women and girls, calling on families, traditional leaders and communities to abandon harmful cultural practices.
Her intervention aligns with broader national efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation, which is recognised internationally as a violation of human rights and bodily autonomy.
Globally, governments, civil society organisations and international agencies have intensified campaigns aimed at eliminating the practice by 2030. 
The renewed advocacy highlights why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation as part of a broader campaign to protect vulnerable populations.
Why Female Genital Mutilation Remains a Major Concern
Female genital mutilation involves the partial or total removal of female genital organs for non-medical reasons, often performed on young girls.
The practice has no medical benefit and is widely associated with severe health complications, including infections, chronic pain, childbirth complications and psychological trauma.
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of female genital mutilation survivors globally, with millions of women affected and millions more still at risk. 
Globally, more than 200 million women and girls have undergone female genital mutilation, highlighting the scale of the problem. 
This is a major reason why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation, stressing the urgent need to protect future generations.
Legal and Policy Framework Against Female Genital Mutilation
Nigeria has taken legislative steps to prohibit female genital mutilation through laws aimed at protecting women and girls.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act criminalises harmful practices, including female genital mutilation, and provides legal remedies for victims. 
Several Nigerian states, including Ekiti, have also enacted laws prohibiting gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices. 
These legal measures reinforce why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation, as enforcement of such laws remains essential to eliminating the practice.
Cultural and Social Factors Sustaining the Practice
Despite legal prohibitions, female genital mutilation continues in some communities due to cultural beliefs, tradition and social pressure.
Studies show that the practice is often justified as a cultural norm or rite of passage, even though it poses serious health risks. 
In Nigeria, prevalence varies across regions, and the practice is often performed on young girls, sometimes in infancy. 
This underscores why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation through education and community engagement, rather than relying solely on legal enforcement.
https://ogelenews.ng/ekiti-first-lady-urges-end-female-genital-mutilation
Public Health and Human Rights Implications
Health experts have repeatedly warned that female genital mutilation is a public health crisis.
It exposes victims to infections, complications during childbirth and long-term psychological trauma.
International organisations, including UNICEF and UNFPA, recognise female genital mutilation as a violation of human rights and a barrier to gender equality. 
Ending the practice is considered essential to achieving broader development goals, including improving maternal health and protecting the rights of women and girls.
This reinforces why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation as part of efforts to protect public health and human dignity.
Why Leadership Advocacy Matters
Advocacy by political leaders and public figures plays a critical role in addressing harmful social practices.
First Ladies, governors and community leaders often use their platforms to influence public opinion and encourage behavioural change.
The Ekiti First Lady’s advocacy reflects growing recognition that eliminating female genital mutilation requires sustained leadership and public engagement.
Her message also aligns with global observances such as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, which promotes awareness and action against the practice. 
The Bottom Line
The call by the Ekiti First Lady reflects growing urgency to eliminate female genital mutilation and protect women and girls.
Her advocacy highlights the importance of education, legal enforcement and community engagement in addressing harmful cultural practices.
Ultimately, why Ekiti First Lady urges end to female genital mutilation is rooted in protecting human rights, improving public health and ensuring a safer future for women and girls.
https://punchng.com/ekiti-first-lady-urges-end-to-female-genital-mutilation
