By Deborah Uzoma
On February 22, 2025, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Imo State chapter initiated a robust campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at Amakaohia Market, Owerri. This outreach aims at educating market women and traders about the severe health risks and human rights violations associated with FGM.
State Coordinator, Wisdom Ugwuegbu emphasized that FGM is a punishable offense under Nigerian law and must be eradicated. He expressed gratitude to partner organizations, including the Rotaract Club of Aladimma and Pristine Pathways Initiative, for their unwavering support. Ugwuegbu also pledged to extend the anti-FGM campaign to rural communities, ensuring the message reaches all corners of the state.
Deputy Coordinator, Maryjoy Chidimma highlighted the significance of targeting markets as hubs for disseminating vital information, noting that educating women in these settings is crucial for reducing mortality rates associated with FGM. She urged the community to embrace the campaign and abandon this harmful practice.
Resource speaker, Amarachi Ekeocha addressed the deep cultural roots of FGM in Imo State, advocating for thorough sensitization, especially at the grassroots level. She engaged local traders in the Igbo dialect, raising awareness about the detrimental impact of FGM on women’s health and well-being.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to eliminate FGM, as underscored by the United Nations’ observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6, 2025. The UN emphasizes the critical need for collaboration among governments, civil society, and local communities to end FGM and protect the rights of women and girls worldwide.
