Written By Efayeobase Thomas Ofem
Every year on February 6, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by millions of girls and women worldwide, including here in Nigeria. At Education As A Vaccine, we are committed to amplifying voices and taking bold steps to end this harmful practice, particularly for the children, adolescents, and young women we serve.
FGM refers to all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Despite being internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, it remains a widespread practice. According to UNFPA, Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM globally, with over 20 million affected. This is not just a statistic—it represents millions of lives irrevocably altered by pain, trauma, and lost opportunities.
Graph representation of the prevalence rate of FGM in Nigeria
FGM is rooted in deeply entrenched cultural, religious, and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. Many communities view it as a rite of passage, a prerequisite for marriage, or a means to control female sexuality. Yet the consequences of FGM are devastating.
Physically, the practice can lead to severe complications, including infections, chronic pain, and difficulties during childbirth. Psychologically, many survivors suffer from trauma, anxiety, and depression that can last a lifetime. For girls and young women, it also robs them of agency over their bodies and futures—a clear violation of their rights.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) of 2015 explicitly addresses Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Part I, Section 6. This section prohibits FGM and outlines penalties for those who perform or aid the practice. Specifically, individuals found guilty of performing FGM may face up to four years in prison, a fine of up to N200,000, or both. Additionally, anyone who aids, abets, or incites another person to carry out FGM is subject to the same penalties. The Act also provides for protection orders to prevent FGM and offers support to victims.
It’s important to note that while the VAPP Act was enacted at the federal level, its applicability is primarily within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). For the Act to be enforceable in other states, it must be domesticated by each state’s legislature. As of now, several states have adopted the VAPP Act, but others have yet to do so. Therefore, the legal status and enforcement of FGM prohibitions can vary across Nigeria.
As implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs are most entrenched. Advocacy, education, and community engagement are crucial to bridging this gap.
Organizations like ours are working tirelessly to bring about change. We collaborate with local leaders, empower survivors to share their stories, and educate communities on the dangers of FGM. Crucially, we work with young people—our greatest agents of change—helping them understand their rights and equipping them to advocate for a future free of this harmful tradition.
Ending FGM requires collective effort. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres says “We need urgent investments to reach the target set in the SDGs of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030. We need to amplify the voices of survivors and support their efforts to reclaim their lives, based on their bodily autonomy.” Ending FGM requires governments to strengthen laws and ensure their enforcement. It requires healthcare providers to prioritize survivor-centered care. It requires civil society to challenge harmful norms and offer alternative rites of passage. Most importantly, it requires all of us—men and women, young and old—to speak out against this practice and support survivors.
At Education As A Vaccine, we envision a Nigeria where every girl can grow up free from the shadow of FGM—a Nigeria where her dreams are not limited by harmful traditions but fueled by endless possibilities. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we reaffirm our commitment to making this vision a reality.
Together, let us break the silence, challenge harmful traditions, and work toward a world where every girl and woman can live with dignity, health, and freedom.
