The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti State Chapter, has called on stakeholders on concerted efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
NAWOJ gave the charge as the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance ,commemorated annually on February 6th to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and to promote efforts to eliminate the practice worldwide.
The theme for 2025 is “Her Voice. Her Future,”
NAWOJ highlights the critical role of survivors in leading the movement against female genital mutilation as crucial to policy changes to challenge the harmful social norms, and empower women and girls to exercise their rights to health, education, and security. Women Journalists stressed the roles of stakeholders in this regard.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ in Ekiti Mrs Adewumi Ademiju, in a statement signed by the Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Falae, emphasized the commitment to ending the harmful practice of FGM.
Mrs Ademiju stressed that FGM is a violation of human rights and has no health benefits, but rather causes physical and emotional harm to women and girls.
She noted that NAWOJ Ekiti will continue to use various media platforms to sensitize the general public on the dangers of FGM and the urgent need to stop the practice.
The Chairperson called on government agencies, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and civil society groups to join forces with NAWOJ Ekiti to eliminate FGM in the State.
She also urged parents and guardians to protect their daughters from the harmful practice, emphasizing that every girl has the right to grow up free from violence and harm.