Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative, Mrs. Adebukola Oso, on Thursday joined the world to address the disturbing rise in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among Nigerian girls, particularly those aged 0-14.
She made this known in a press statement she issued at the headquarters of the non-governmental organisation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, with the theme: ‘Stepping Up the Pace’, which is celebrated every February 6th across the globe.
Oso drew attention to the alarming statistics, released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which indicated that FGM rates among young girls in Nigeria climbed from 16.9 per cent in 2013 to 19.2 per cent in 2018, reflecting a ‘worrying trend.’
Relying on available statistics on FGM, including UNICEF, she noted that Nigeria accounts for the third-highest prevalence of FGM worldwide, with nearly 20 million survivors.
Oso stated that the emotional and physical scars inflicted by the harmful tradition were immeasurable, and had robbed millions of girls of their health, education, and futures.
“This heinous practice is not just a health issue; it is a violation of human rights. It reflects deep-rooted inequalities and extreme discrimination against women and girls. Today, we join the chorus of voices demanding an end to FGM.”
Oso, in spite of the alarming statistics, was optimistic that there is hope. She pointed to successful community-led initiatives in countries such as Kenya and Uganda, where grassroots movements have catalysed significant declines in FGM prevalence. “We believe that through unity and collaboration, we can achieve similar transformations in Nigeria,” she stated, rallying support for the cause.
The AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative is set to launch a series of community engagement programmes aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of FGM while promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
“Our plan is not only to educate but to mobilise communities, including men, boys, and local leaders, to actively participate in the abandonment of this practice,” Mrs. Oso explained.
“We are excited to join forces with such movements,” Oso said. “Our collective voice can dismantle these harmful traditions that only serve to perpetuate patterns of violence and discrimination against girls.”
Drawing attention to recent studies, Oso noted that up to 68 million girls globally face the risk of FGM between 2015 and 2030 if decisive action is not taken.
“The time to act is now,” she asserted, rallying her organisation’s stakeholders to join in robust advocacy for change.
Oso urged every individual, community leader, and policymaker to recognise the urgent need for a united front against FGM.
“We cannot afford to sit idly by, while girls continue to suffer. Let us stand together, vow to protect our girls, and champion their rights to health, education, and a future free from harm.
“On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative emphasises solidarity in the fight for every girl’s right to a safe and empowered life, free from the shackles of harmful traditions.”
