Women in Osun State have been charged to rise against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice in the state because of its harmful consequences.
The State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Ministry of Health, Mrs Toyin Adelowokan gave the charge at Bode-Osi during a sensitization programme on elimination of FGM.
The sensitisation which targeted 690 women within child bearing age in Ola oluwa, Ifedayo and Atakumosa East Local Government Areas was aimed at enlightening women on the danger of the practice and the need to end it.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle said the State government was committed to the welfare and uplifting of women in the state.
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He advised women in the state to protect every child against FGM.
The women who participated in the sensitisation programme pledged to support the campaign against FGM practice.
Mrs Adeleke Adejumo and Barakah Salisu, who were at the event promised to cascade the learning to other women in their various communities.
Speaking further, Adelowokan said women are at the receiving end of FGM practice, saying that they have roles and responsibilities in protecting girl child from circumcision in their various families and communities.
She said “FGM doesn’t have health benefits. The majority of FGM survivors are living with consequences. We appreciated the Osun State Government and the World Bank for taking a giant stride in addressing the issue that affects girls and women in the state.”
Adelowokan said the goal is to end FGM before 2030 and urged the government at all levels to rise to curb the menace in society by implementing laws to deal with perpetrators.