Despite Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) being recognized as a human right violation, it. remains a hideous practice still happening in our society.
Nigeria has the highest absolute number of cases of FGM in the world, accounting for about one-quarter of the estimated 115–130 million circumcised women worldwide. Furthermore, the estimated prevalence of FGM among women aged 15 to 19 years is 24.8% and this figure has not changed significantly in recent years with about 20 million women and girls who have undergone FGM.
Despite the severe short-term and long-term physical and psychological consequences of mutilation, FGM is often practised in the belief that it is beneficial for the girl. Some communities consider that it ensures and preserves virginity and marital faithfulness and prevents promiscuity/prostitution. Also, in every community in which FGM is practiced, it is usually a demonstration of gender inequality that is deeply entrenched in social, economic and political structures. FGM is often motivated by beliefs about what is considered appropriate sexual behaviour.
Young people from public secondary schools across Lagos State will raise discourse on the issue of Female Genital Mutilation its prevalence in Nigeria, impacts/effects on the Girl Child, community and national development. They will be using artistic performances such as song, poetry and drama to advocate for the elimination of FGM in the country on November 11th, 2017 at the 24th Annual Teenage Festival of Life.
This event will have in attendance as the special guest government officials from Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, UNFPA, the Tutor General/Permanent secretaries of all the Education districts in Lagos state, teachers and students of secondary schools in Lagos
TFL 2017 will also serve as a platform for young people to be adequately informed about issues of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria, with a view to enlisting them as critical stakeholders in efforts to attain FGM Free Generation.
