GFDI commences campaign against female genital mutilation in Ondo

By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure

A non-governmental organisation, ‘Gender Frontier Development Initiatives’ (GFDI), has commenced the campaign against the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the 18 local government areas of Ondo state.

Leader of the organization, Barrister  Olusola Ogunsakin, while addressing the students of the Anglican Grammar School, Igbaraoke, in Ifedore local government area of the state on Wednesday said; “the aims and objectives of our NGO is to create awareness among all the school children on how to guide against rape, child labour, female genital mutilation and child trafficking. And to let them know what to do if such situations like that arise.”

Ogunsakin said further; “We have visited four schools in Ifedore local government area and our intention is to visit all the 18 local government areas of Ondo state, we will be visiting four schools per local government.

“We didn’t sort for fund from anybody, I am the one personally funding the whole exercise and the schools have been cooperating with us because they see the usefulness and the relevant of all what we are doing.”

While a member of the organization, Ibikunle Lanre Anthony said the practice was not only archaic, but also violated the rights of female children and urged people to desist from such.

FGM is a procedure involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organ for non-medical reasons. The act is globally recognised as an extreme violation of the rights of women and girls.

In some societies, it is considered a rite of passage. In others, it is seen as a pre-requisite for marriage or attributed to religious beliefs. The practice is considered a means of maintaining chastity and preventing promiscuity or infidelity.

Ibikunle, however, declared the support of the organization towards fighting against female genital mutilation.

He said; “We are ready to collaborate with the stakeholders to ensure total eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in our state and by extension throughout the country.”

Recall that the World Health Organisation (WHO), had declared that Female Genital Mutilation has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways.

He also urged the federal and state governments to protect the rights of women and girls from all forms of violence and abuse by enforcing laws against Female Genital Mutilation.