HOW YOUNG PEOPLE CAN TAKE THE LEAD TO END FGM(Female Genital Mutilation) IN NIGERIA

The United Nations has declared that FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. In 2015, there was a landmark ban on FGM in Nigeria, and the international community have prioritized ending FGM in the new Global Goals under GOAL 5 – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Nigerian youths can make a difference in this issue by committing to these suggestions:

Here are suggestions of great things young people can do to help bring Female Genital Mutilation to an end

Use the power of social media:
Raise awareness of female genital mutilation and violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Young people can raise awareness through art projects and workshops. They can also make links with young people in different parts of the country. In an era where news can be reported the moment it happens, the power of the individual has increased incredibly. Do not doubt that your words or actions can make a difference because by joining other people working towards the same goal as easily as going on Facebook or Twitter to post and article or simply state your opinions, you have the power to connect with hundreds and thousands of other people at once. Therefore I encourage youth to take whatever small action they can to support the movement to end FGM. This aspect of social media can be considered to share news and awareness about FGM
i. Social media awareness
ii. Creation of blogs
iii. Design of flyers and hand books
iv. Discussion of issues relating to FGM among youth.
v. Share the petition with your followers
vi. Initiate discussions on the best interest of the child in prosecution
vii. Development of the Network.

Volunteering with Human Trafficking movement/NGOs
Coordination and support for member organizations. If you live in a community where FGM is happening see if you can volunteer to help. Even if you don’t its worth finding out how services and individuals can engage with communities. Voicing concerns is important, but it’s practical action that will have the most effect. Support community education because without the support of a community, legislation alone cannot end FGM.

Raise Awareness:
Increase understanding of FGM in the Nigeria. By being aware of the reality and severity of FGM, youth are supporting the movement to end FGM. Youths can achieve this by signing petitions and learning by watching films and reading articles or first-hand accounts .Although more people are aware of FGM the majority are not aware of ‘cutting season’ and just how many girls are at risk. An important step in the fight to stop FGM is simply raising awareness of the problem. Youth can help publicize this to schools in the country informing female students the effect of FGM.

Community Rally /Walk:
Groups that practice Community Rally do so for a complex set of reasons and the procedure has existed for many generations. Just shouting that it’s wrong isn’t going to change their minds. We need to reach out to and work in partnership with resident communities in the Nigeria if we want to stop FGM. The Government should issue grants to help, as part of their anti-FGM initiative.

Stay Vigilant:
Girls who are been cut and pierced are always young, possibly not fully aware of why they are doing it to them, and if they are they may not feel able to speak out. It’s important to watch for warning signs if you know anyone who you believe is at risk.

Help change the law:
Help change the law because not much can be done without laws supporting movements and protecting against FGM, legislation must be created and enforced to enable progress. Youth can help in this aspect by joining in rallies and Walk to sensitize the government on the importance of signing the laws

 FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985. Laws passed then made it an offence to carry out FGM, but this legislation had to be updated for the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. With increasing numbers of girls being taken abroad to be cut, it became apparent that more needed to be done. 

If the youths of this country take into consideration the above discussed points, then we might be able to cover some grounds concerning the curbing of FGM in Nigeria.