Yesterday February 8th, 2023, EWIN team were at Nsukka Health center during immunization program to sensitize mothers about FGM to mark the International day of zero tolerance for FGM.
We had conversations with some FGM survivors who shared with us some of what they have been going through as a result of the cutting ranging from lack of sexual urge to low self esteem etc.
The more pathetic story was how some of their mothers are still insisting on cutting their grand children. Some even coming to the health center to request for the cutting.
We gathered that the medicalization of FGM which has to do with massaging of the clitoris to deaden the cells around the clitoris is a common practice among the people. Many mothers held tight to this view arguing that it is necessary to reduce sexual urge of the girl child.
This was a pointer to the ignorance of these mothers on the devastating effect of FGM on the girl child.
We are therefore calling on concerned agencies to partner with us for increased awareness, advocacy and capacity building to end FGM in Nsukka.
