More than 20 staff of Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State including community women leaders, have been trained to carry out the message for the stoppage of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, in the area.
The inauguration and training of the local government technical committee on, FGM, took place, Tuesday, at the local government headquarters.
According to the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Imo state, Ministry of Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Blessing Obi, described the practice of FGM as dangerous to the girl child.
According to Obi, “For two years now, UNICEF, UNFPA, and other World Agencies have been mounted vigorous enlightenment and mobilization campaign on the need to eradicate the practice of FGM, in our communities.
Here in Imo state, this LGA is one of the areas with high prevalence of the practices and UNICEF, has supported the Federal government, states and NGOs.
“To mount mobilization and enlightenment campaigns on the effects on FGM/C on the health of the girl child and women in our society.”
Among the experts that trained the participants on stoppage of FGM practice, include the UNICEF consultant for Imo and Abia states, Mr. Ben Mbakwem, and the Imo State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha.
