By Derrick Bangura

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that female genital mutilation (FGM) is on the rise in Nigeria, which is now ranked third in the world.

While warning that female genital mutilation is on the rise among Nigerian girls aged 0-14, UNICEF issued a press release on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2022, revealing that rates have risen from 16.9% in 2013 to 19.2% in 2018, a “worrying trend,” according to UNICEF.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still prevalent in Nigeria, according to UNICEF, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors and Nigeria accounting for the third highest number of women and girls who have had FGM worldwide.

“While the nationwide prevalence of FGM among Nigerian women aged 15-49 declined from 25% in 2013 to 20% in 2018, prevalence among girls aged 0-14 increased from 16.9% to 19.2% in the same period, according to NDHS estimates,” the UN agency said.

“An estimated 86 percent of girls had their hair cut before the age of 5, while 8% had their hair chopped between the ages of 5 and 14.”As the world observes today’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF estimates that 68 million girls worldwide would be at danger of female genital mutilation between 2015 and 2030.” COVID-19 is closing schools and disrupting programs that help protect girls from this destructive practice, which could result in an additional 2 million cases of FGM over the next decade.”Millions of girls are being robbed of their childhoods, health, education, and aspirations every day by harmful practices such as FGM,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins in the release, adding that “the practice of FGM not only has no health benefits – it is deeply harmful to girls and women, both physically and psychologically.” It is a practice that no longer has a place in our society and must be abolished, as many Nigerian communities have already pledged.”

It was acknowledged that there are differences in practice across Nigeria. The incidence varies by state, ranging from 62% in Imo to less than 1% in Adamawa and Gombe. The South East has the highest prevalence of FGM. “The Movement for Good” will reach 5 million adolescent girls and boys, women – including pregnant and lactating mothers – men, grandparents, traditional, community and religious leaders, legislators, justice sector actors, and state officials through an online pledge to “say no” to FGM, according to the statement. The movement will mobilize affected communities for household-level action to protect girls who are at risk of FGM. It will address misconceptions about female genital mutilation (FGM) and the discriminatory reasons for its prevalence, as well as shatter the silence around the practice in collaboration with communities.

Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life. Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life.

“The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation reminds us that we are not alone in this fight, and that we must step up our efforts – particularly with families and communities – to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women. “Our goal is to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women, free of FGM,” Peter Hawkins stated.