‘Inhumane practice’ — Oluremi Tinubu seeks end to FGM

Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has called for an end to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

Oluremi spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the annual technical consultation of the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme on the elimination of FGM.

The event, titled ‘Delivering the global promise’ brought together, experts, activists, and stakeholders committed to the eradication of violence against women and girls.

The first lady, who urged stakeholders to join forces to end FGM, noted that such an act is an “inhumane practice”.

“FGM limits opportunities for women and girls to exercise their rights, their bodily autonomy, and realize their full potential,” Oluremi said.

“It inflicts pain, suffering, and lasting physical and emotional scars on our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends.

“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye any longer to this inhumane practice. It is time for us to take a united stand against these acts of violence and injustice if we are to make progress in the elimination of FGM.”

The first lady noted that violence against women is a human issue that holds back societal progress, adding that it must be addressed.

Oluremi urged policymakers to implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and other harmful practices.

Also speaking, Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged stakeholders to work together to end FGM and create a conducive society where women and girls can live without fear or harm.

“There’s no excuse for gender-based violence; there’s no reason that young girls should suffer genital mutilation; there’s no place for the early or forced marriage of children,” Shettima said.

“These traditions may go back centuries; they have no place in the 21st century. Whether intended or not.”