Low reporting of FGM cases worries stakeholders as BIGIF, Ekiti govt intensify fight against gender-based violence

Stakeholders in Ekiti State have expressed concern over the persistent practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the alarming low rate of case reporting despite existing laws prohibiting the harmful practice and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV).

The concern was raised during a one-day stakeholders' engagement organised by the Balm In Gilead Foundation (BIGIF) in partnership with the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs, aimed at strengthening actions against FGM and gender-based violence across the state.

Participants at the meeting, drawn from government ministries, security agencies, the judiciary, the media, civil society organisations and community groups, lamented that despite sustained awareness campaigns and sensitisation programmes conducted across the 16 local government areas of the state, the prevalence of FGM remains a challenge.

The stakeholders particularly frowned at the absence of reported prosecutions for FGM-related offences, stressing that the lack of reporting and legal action may be encouraging perpetrators to continue the practice with impunity.

Speaking during a presentation on the legal framework against FGM and gender-based violence, Mrs. Olukemi Akinleye of the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs said it was incorrect for anyone to assume that there are no laws prohibiting female genital mutilation in the state.

According to her, the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2022, clearly criminalises FGM and provides legal protection for women and children against various forms of abuse and harmful traditional practices.

 "There is a standing law in Ekiti State prohibiting female genital mutilation and other forms of gender-based violence. The law was enacted to protect women and children from harmful practices. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of these provisions, and that is one of the reasons the practice persists," Akinleye said.

Delivering a lecture titled "Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Female Genital Mutilation," Akinleye identified cultural beliefs, religious misconceptions, tribal sentiments and societal acceptance as major factors sustaining the practice despite growing public enlightenment.

She noted that FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, has no health benefits and often exposes victims to severe physical, psychological and reproductive health complications.

Experts at the meeting explained that survivors of FGM may suffer excessive bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, infertility, trauma and other lifelong health consequences.

Representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Amotekun Corps, Ministry of Education and media organisations also identified inadequate reporting, fear of stigmatisation, family pressure, cultural resistance and weak enforcement mechanisms as major obstacles to the eradication of FGM in the state.

The participants unanimously called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, stronger community surveillance and the prosecution of offenders irrespective of their social status, influence or age.

They also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community influencers and parents to support efforts aimed at ending the practice.

As part of the engagement, participants were divided into working groups to develop practical strategies for combating FGM and strengthening responses to gender-based violence.

The groups recommended the establishment of stronger whistle-blowing mechanisms, improved access to justice for survivors, enhanced referral systems, effective investigations and increased collaboration among law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders.

While acknowledging that prosecution should be deployed alongside advocacy and rehabilitation efforts, stakeholders expressed concern that very few cases of FGM are formally reported despite indications that the practice still occurs in some communities.

They therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, security agencies and relevant government institutions to strengthen surveillance, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, and ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of offenders.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to work together towards the elimination of female genital mutilation and all forms of gender-based violence in Ekiti State, emphasizing that ending the practice requires collective action from government, communities, families and individuals.

According to experts, increasing public awareness of existing laws and encouraging the reporting of violations remain critical steps toward achieving a society free from FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls.