As Nigeria recently marked the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) urged all levels of government to move beyond rhetoric and enforce existing laws criminalising the harmful practice.
GLOHWOC noted that despite legal protections, weak enforcement and entrenched social norms continue to put millions of Nigerian girls at risk.
Executive Director of GLOHWOC, Dr. Christiana Aderonke Abayomi-Oluwole, described FGM as a severe violation of human rights that endangers the health, dignity, and lives of girls and women.
She attributed the persistence of the practice largely to a lack of accountability for perpetrators.
“Nigeria already has strong laws against FGM, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, state-level legislation, and international conventions.
“These laws are binding and must be enforced. Zero tolerance means zero excuses.
“Every girl has the right to grow up whole, safe, and free,” Dr. Abayomi-Oluwole said.
The foundation urged authorities to prioritise the investigation and prosecution of FGM cases, warning that compromise or cultural justification undermines the rule of law and endangers children.
It also called for preventive measures, including early-warning systems, community monitoring, and strengthened child protection mechanisms.
Dr. Abayomi-Oluwole also emphasised survivor-centred support, including access to healthcare, psychosocial services, legal aid, and safe spaces for girls and women affected by FGM.
She highlighted the importance of engaging traditional, religious, and community leaders to challenge harmful norms and promote human rights-friendly alternatives.
“Ending FGM requires changing the beliefs that sustain it.
“Sustainable funding for grassroots, women-led organisations is critical, as they are often at the forefront of community advocacy,” she said.
Echoing the call for urgent action, Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Dr. Maryam Nnafatima Imam, stated, “FGM is violence.
“FGM is a human rights violation. No tradition, culture, religion, or social norm can justify harm to girls and women.”
The commissioner stressed that Nigeria is bound by both national legislation and international conventions to prohibit FGM.
She urged full implementation of the laws, investment in prevention strategies, and support for survivors, reiterating that “every girl has the right to grow up whole, safe, and free. The time to act is now.”
GLOHWOC described the fight against FGM as a shared responsibility, calling on governments, community leaders, development partners, and citizens to speak out and act decisively to end the practice in Nigeria. (vitalnewsngr.com)
