NAN-H-38
Mutilation
By Martha Agas
Jos, Feb. 5, 2017 (NAN) The Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) on Sunday called for concerted efforts toward preservation of the female virginity.
Mrs Mairo Sani, the leader of FOMWAN in Plateau, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.
Sani said that the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) should be stopped forthwith.
The FOMWAN leader spoke to NAN ahead of the World International Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM scheduled to hold on Feb. 6.
She said the girl-child would be morally sound if the home, school, religious formations and society, as major agents of socialisation, inculcated good moral values in them, and not the practice of FGM.
Sani said medical personnel, development workers and other stakeholders had condemned the practice as it was barbaric and detrimental to health and well being of the girl-child.
“The traditional practice of FGM should be revisited to stop the harmful practice.
“Efforts are, however, being made to include this in the constitution for public compliance.
“The rights of the children should be protected while their future should be enhanced,’’ she said.
The International Day for Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation was set aside for campaign efforts by the United Nations to stop the practice.
FGM comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, which is a violation of their human rights.
According to the UN, the practice violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity.
“Their rights to be free from torture and cruelty, inhuman and degrading treatment and their right to life when the procedure results in death’’.
The day is to elevate awareness and educate people on the dangers of FGM.
The 2017 theme for the celebration is “Building a Solid and Interactive Bridge between Africa and the World to Accelerate ending FGM by 2030’’. (NAN)
MAA/HS/AIB/AMY
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Abdullahi Yusuf