The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for stronger action against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), stressing that it robs women of their sexual pleasure and violates their fundamental human rights.

Speaking at the day one of the two-day media dialogue organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF held in Benin, Edo State, UNICEF’s child protection specialist, Lagos Office, Denis Onoise, explained that cutting the clitoris denies women the ability to enjoy sex, a consequence that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars.

Onoise further argued that FGM is neither a necessity nor a cultural practice that should be sustained, maintaining that subjecting girls to the harmful procedure undermines their happiness and overall well-being, urging communities to abandon the practice in order to protect the dignity and future of women and girls.

The specialist also highlighted the magnitude of the crisis, noting that Nigeria ranks third globally in the prevalence of FGM, with projections suggesting that the number could rise by over 50 per cent if urgent interventions are not scaled up.

He pointed out that myths sustaining the practice continue to fuel its persistence, with alarming statistics showing that more than half of sex workers in Nigeria have been subjected to genital mutilation.

Onoise confirmed that data have shown that Nigeria is the third country worldwide practising FGM, saying such was harmful to the victims and economy

According to Denise, “During our findings, we discovered that girls and ladies who are cut do not enjoy sex. By removing clitoris, you are removing what gives them pleasure. We are against this because it’s human rights violation.

“FGM is not something we need to continue, it’s not necessary a cultural practice. One of the reasons we are kicking against it is because you are trying to make the girl unhappy with her sexual life.”

In her message to the training, the Chief UNICEF Lagos Field Officer, Celine Lafouucriere, expressed dissatisfaction with how some states are still involved in FGM despite the campaign and sensitization programme to enlighten people on the negative effect of the act.

According to her, nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM, hence the need to find lasting solution to it.

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, noted that there is need to end FGM in Nigeria in lieu of its health danger to females and appealed to participants to step down the experience gained during the two-day training to others in their respective states.

He promised that the Oyo State Government would continue to partner with different agencies to improve on the health of Nigerians.

Babalola lamented the high rate of the harmful practice in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States, saying there is need for proactive measures to stop the act in the interest of the unborn generation of female children.

Sexual and Reproductive Health/FGM Consultant, Aderonke Olutayo, emphasized the need to dispel deep-seated misconceptions about the practice.

She explained that many communities wrongly believe FGM prevents promiscuity, while others perpetuate myths about sexual satisfaction.

Olutayo however urged faith leaders, parents and community influencers to challenge harmful narratives and prioritize the wellbeing of girls and women. (THISDAY)