Nigeria appears to be struggling in its fight against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), despite the law banning it.

Development Diaries reports that FGM remains a persistent and deeply rooted issue in Nigeria, despite the country’s efforts to address it through the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) law.

Nigeria has a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) five target of eliminating all harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030. Still, the country’s failure to strictly enforce the law banning FGM and other harmful practices against women and girls is emboldening many citizens to indulge in the acts. 

Also, the growing citizens’ distrust in governance in Nigeria means many, including communities, are not actively participating in efforts aimed at ending FGM and other harmful practices.

Although the VAPP Act is a vital legal instrument in Nigeria’s fight against the pervasive practice of FGM, girls and women are still frequently subjected to obscure ‘traditional’ practices.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the third-highest number of women and girls who have experienced FGM worldwide, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors.

Section six (two) of the VAPP Act criminalises and punishes anyone who performs or engages another to perform female circumcision or genital mutilation.

So far, 35 states have passed the VAPP Act or at least have legislation to protect women from GBV, except Kano State.

FGM is often deeply entrenched in cultural beliefs and practices that have been passed down through generations. In many communities, it is considered a rite of passage, symbolising purity, modesty, and the eligibility of women for marriage.

The problem in Nigeria is not the unavailability of the legal instrument, but its enforcement. So far, 35 Nigerian states have passed the VAPP Act or at least have legislation to protect women from GBV, except Kano State.

By enforcing the VAPP Act, states in Nigeria can send a strong message that the government is committed to eradicating harmful practices and safeguarding the well-being of its female citizens.

Moreover, enforcing the VAPP Act is essential for promoting gender equality and empowering women. FGM perpetuates gender-based discrimination and reinforces harmful stereotypes that limit women’s roles in society.

On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we call on the government at all levels to strictly enforce the VAPP Act and promote transparency and accountability in all its dealings to earn public trust.

We also call on the Kano State House of Assembly to pass the VAPP bill, while the police empower their female officers to take the lead in strategies that are designed to counter FGM and other harmful practices against women and girls.

Photo source: VON