Edo State takes a significant step towards eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the inauguration of the State Technical Committee (STC).
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah represented by the ministry Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien described the event as a milestone in the state’s efforts to eliminate FGM.
The STC will provide technical support and guidance to ensure a coordinated approach to ending FGM in the state This move demonstrates Edo State’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and promoting their well-being.
Mrs. Abdallah explained that the project is being implemented by Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) in collaboration with Edo State Ministry of Health and Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
She stated that the initiative aims to accelerate transformative action toward the elimination of FGM, aligning with the Ministry’s core mandate of providing social protection and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The Commissioner applauded UNICEF for including Edo State as a beneficiary of the intervention, stating that the partnership underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing deeply rooted cultural practices. She noted that the project covers four Local Government Areas such as Oredo, Egor, Ovia South West, and Igueben, focusing on 20 communities where the practice is still prevalent. She highlighted that the journey so far has involved sustained collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and development partners through advocacy visits, community sensitization campaigns, and capacity-building programmes.
Mrs. Abdallah emphasized that the STC will play a vital role in guiding project implementation, providing strategic direction and oversight, monitoring progress, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering partnerships to amplify impact. She further urged committee members to work collaboratively and leverage their expertise and experience to drive progress towards a future free from FGM in Edo State.
In his remarks, the Principal Health Assistant, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Nwankwo Steven Okezie emphasized that strong collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving the goals of the project. He described the inauguration of the committee as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to ending FGM in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that perpetrators of FGM are held fully accountable and that existing laws prohibiting the practice are strictly enforced. He expressed confidence in the expertise, dedication, and ability of committee members to carry out their mandate effectively, and significantly contribute to the elimination of the practice across the state.
The highlight of the event was the official swearing-in of the State Technical Committee on FGM, which was presided over by the Principal Health Assistant, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Nwankwo Steven Okezie.
