By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to marks the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6th, a group under the auspices of the African Civil Society Reference Group Inc. (ACSRG) has renewed its commitment to ending this harmful practice.
In a statement by the group on Thursdayin Abuja, it stated that over 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, and 4.3 million more are at risk in 2024 alone. If urgent action is not taken, this number could rise to 4.6 million annually by 2030.
“FGM continues to violate the rights of millions of women and girls, stripping them of dignity, bodily autonomy, and freedom from violence.
“Despite being rooted in cultural and social traditions, FGM has no health benefits—only devastating consequences. It leads to severe complications, including infections, childbirth risks, psychological trauma, and even death. Beyond the physical harm, FGM reinforces gender inequality and limits opportunities for women and girls”, the statement read.
The ACSRG also called on governments, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and the global community to take the following decisive steps:
- Enforce Stronger Laws – Governments must fully implement and uphold anti-FGM laws, ensuring accountability and promoting alternative rites of passage.
- Empower Communities – Sustainable change begins within. Traditional leaders, parents, and youth must drive cultural shifts that protect girls while respecting traditions.
- Expand Education and Awareness – Schools, healthcare institutions, and communities must prioritize education on the dangers of FGM, debunking harmful myths.
- Support Survivors – Women and girls affected by FGM need medical, psychological, legal, and economic support to rebuild their lives.
- Strengthen Regional and Global Efforts – FGM crosses borders; stronger cooperation among nations is vital to ending it.
“Eliminating FGM is a human rights priority that requires bold leadership, sustained advocacy, and collective action. ACSRG stands with survivors, activists, and policymakers, amplifying voices and pushing for policies that ensure every girl grows up free from harm, with the right to control her body and future.
“Now is the time for action. Now is the time for Zero FGM”, it added.