NAWOJ seeks end to female genital mutilation

The National Association of Women Journalist has reiterated its condemnation of Female Genital Mutilation as the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance against the practice.
Jenifer Yerima, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Plateau Chapter, restated its position in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Jos.
She said the practice exposed the victims to infection, low libido and psychological trauma.
Yerima noted that the instruments used for the process were mostly unsterilized.
She said: “Chastity can be instilled in young girls by good virtues, not this crude practice.”
In her message to mark the 2018 International Day of Zero Tolerance on FGM, the Enugu State Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta, called for more awareness campaign against the practice.
Amuta noted that the practice had reduced in the state adding that it was still prevalent in some rural communities in the state.
She appealed to lawmakers, governments at all levels, traditional and religious leaders as well as civil society organizations to join hands in ending the practice in the state.
Dr Juliette Ango, a Public Health Physician from University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, said that FGM had no health benefits but devastating immediate and delayed complications.
Ango said: “The immediate complications are bleeding, sepsis, genital tissue swelling, tetanus, urinary problems and others, while delayed complications includes childbirth complications, increased risk of new born deaths, low self-esteem and many more.”
According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of Female Genital Mutilation worldwide, accounting for about one quarter of the estimated 115 to 130 Million circumcised women in the world.
The international Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM is celebrated annually on February 6 as part of the United Nations’ effort at eradicating the practice.