The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM), describing it as barbaric and a severe violation of the rights and dignity of girls and women.
Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, condemned the practice, saying there is nothing culturally or morally acceptable about subjecting a girl child to a lifetime of pain and suffering. She made the call in a statement released on Friday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The United Nations-sponsored day, observed annually on February 6, aims to raise awareness and end FGM globally. According to the UN, over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone the practice, and an additional 22.7 million girls could be at risk by 2030 if urgent action is not taken.
In her statement, Soludo urged increased advocacy and empowerment of girls and women to lead the campaign against FGM. “FGM is a breach of the fundamental rights of girls and women, and the trauma and injuries sustained during the agonising process can take a long-term toll on the physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and psychological well-being of victims. It could ruin them for life,” she said.
She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that about four million girls undergo FGM each year, with more than two million affected before the age of five. “The future of our girls is in serious doubt if we continue to turn a blind eye to these barbaric cultural practices. The right time to act was yesterday,” Soludo added.
The Anambra first lady has also emphasized early detection and healthy lifestyle choices, noting their importance in preventing long-term health issues like cancer, which she says is increasingly linked to poor dietary habits and addictions.
Elijah Adeyemi
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