Earlier today, our executive director Dowole Gold Moyinoluwa featured on EKTV as the Secretary of the Cpn Ekiti, alongside representatives from Fida Ekiti. They discussed the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in light of the International Day for Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. This year’s theme for the day is “Her Voice. Her Future.”

During the interview, our executive director had the opportunity to discuss the commendable efforts of the Child Protection Network (CPN) Ekiti in putting an end to female genital mutilation (FGM). She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this harmful practice and promoting education as a means to eradicate it.

One of the key points she addressed was the distinction between female genital mutilation and circumcision. It is crucial to understand that FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, whereas circumcision is a medically performed procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin in males.

Additionally, she shed light on the issue of the medicalization of FGM. This refers to the practice of performing FGM by trained healthcare professionals, often in an attempt to make the procedure safer or more socially acceptable. She emphasized that medicalization does not justify or eliminate the physical and psychological harm caused by FGM, and it is essential to discourage this practice.

Moreover, she shared the established effective reporting pathway for FGM cases in the state such as NGOs, Ministry of Health, EKITI SARC, FIDA etc.

By working together, we can put an end to this harmful practice and ensure a world where every girl and woman is free from the burden of FGM.