UNICEF: FGM remains a grave violation of girls’ rights
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful violation of the rights of girls and women.
The Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, made the declaration at a two-day Media Dialogue to Support Advocacy to End FGM in Nigeria on Wednesday in Benin.
The workshop was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation.
Lafoucriere explained that nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria had undergone FGM, placing the country third globally in prevalence.
“This is a huge number that we cannot ignore,” she said.
She noted that despite being criminalised in Nigeria, the practice persists across communities, driven by myths and traditions that endanger girls’ lives. She stressed that no cultural or traditional practice should compromise the health, rights, or future of girls.
According to her, collaboration with stakeholders is beginning to shift the narrative.
“The good news is that change is possible, and change is happening through partnerships and initiatives like the Movement for Good, led by the Federal Government in collaboration with UNICEF.
“Millions of Nigerian girls, boys, men, women, aunties and uncles have pledged to protect girls from being cut. Communities are speaking out.
“Survivors are leading the way, and young people are demanding a better future. This is where the media comes in.”
Lafoucriere urged journalists and media practitioners to use their platforms to tell stories that inspire change.
“You have the power to shape narratives, to amplify survivors’ voices, and to challenge harmful practices. You can inspire families to make different choices for their daughters.
“Use your reach, your creativity, and your platforms to ensure that every girl in Nigeria grows up free of female genital mutilation. Together, we can build a safer, better future where every girl has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive,” she said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Communication Officer, Lagos Field Office, Blessing Ejiofor, said the dialogue aimed to strengthen advocacy and reach communities across the country in the fight against FGM.
Ejiofor explained that while campaigns had reduced the practice, the ultimate goal was its complete elimination. She stressed that no girl or woman should undergo such a harmful process and reminded participants that engaging in FGM is now a criminal offence in Nigeria.
She called on the media to intensify their role in driving advocacy until the practice ends completely.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Rotimi Babalola, said the workshop underscored the state government’s commitment to child-related issues.
Babalola emphasised the importance of media advocacy, noting that similar collaborations had been carried out with security agencies and the judiciary to strengthen awareness.
“We still have a lot of work to do. We have engaged in several advocacy programmes, but more effort is needed to eliminate FGM. It is now the turn of the media to play their role in this campaign,” he said.
Babalola urged journalists and media organisations to sustain their collaboration in order to end FGM nationwide.