BY NKECHINYERE OGINYI
Civil Resource Development And Documentation Center have urged Ishielu communities to create bi-laws and ensure that perpetrators of FGM are sanctioned.
This is coming after a consensus-building meeting during which leaders of six communities in Ishielu LGA in Ebonyi state voluntarily decided to publicly declare the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Consequently, the Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the joint donor project organized a public declaration on the abandonment of FGM.
However, six communities in Ishielu LGA publicly declared the abandonment of FGM during the week.
Addressing the communities during the declaration, the Executive Secretary of CIRDDOC, Ms. Onyinye Okaah informed participants that their rapid response to issues of FGM and other gender-based violence which affects the wellbeing of women and girls are quite commendable.
She stressed the importance of establishing a functional surveillance group knowing that some persons may secretly indulge in the harmful practice.
She urged the communities to create bi-laws and ensure that perpetrators of FGM are sanctioned according to the provisions of both the bi-laws and the Ebonyi state Violence against Persons Prohibition law (VAPP) which was signed into law in 2018. CIRDDOC Executive Secretary noted that the practice of type four FGM is very common in society and, urged women to desist from the act as henceforth, offenders will be brought to book.
She welcomed the stakeholders and assured them of the support from UNFPA and CIRDDOC to ensure the complete eradication of FGM.
The UNFPA Program Support Officer, Mr. Benedict Essong welcomed participants to the public declaration on the abandonment of FGM and stated that FGM is a violation of sexual and reproductive health and the rights of women and girls.
Mr. Essong reminded the communities of the existence of the VAPP in Ebonyi state. And enjoined them to help sensitize other community members to abhor the practice.
Rev. Christian Oroke of Ebonyi state Ministry of Budget and Economic Development thanked participants for making out time to be at the public declaration.
According to him, FGM led to the untimely death of many women and girls. He urged the community leaders to stand on the pronouncement made on the day of the declaration and end the practice.
The traditional ruler of Amaozonu Ezillo autonomous community, HRH Eze Samuel Aka Onwe (Ezeoha I) advised participants to stay away from the practice of FGM. He warned that anyone caught in the act will be sanctioned.
HRH Ezeogo Patrick Udoku (Ezeogo II) of the Umuhuali autonomous community thanked CIRDDOC and UNFPA for organizing the program. He promised to join hands with his cabinet members to ensure that FGM is eliminated in their community.
HRH Ezeogo Augustine Okwor (Onwa Puo Igboamalu II) of the Nkalaha autonomous community said that the best approach to the total eradication of FGM is continuous sensitization of community members on the dangers and complications of FGM.
Eze Okwor pledged that he and his cabinet members will continue to engage his people to protect the lives of women and girls.
High Chief Samuel Emeh of the Obeagu community commended CIRDDOC and UNFPA for organizing the historic event.
Mr. Chika Chima, the Town Union Vice president of the Nkalagu community said both men and women are affected by FGM and thereafter, urged women to desist from the illicit act.
Hon. Jude Ogbuabor welcomed CIRDDOC and UNFPA to their community and promised that the Amazu people will do all it takes to end FGM in the community.
