A nongovernmental organization, New Generation Girls Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) with support from United Nations FUND (UNFPA), has established a Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivors network in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
In an interview with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, NIGAWD’s programme officer, Racheal Babalola, explained that the initiative aims to bring FGM Survivors together to be able to access the available surgical and non-surgical treatment programs at local hospitals to alleviate and ultimately eradicate the effects of FGM.
During a program supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Babalola emphasized the dangers of FGM and urged parents and guardians to abandon the practice to ensure a better quality of life for female children.
“We have brought together 30 FGM survivors, ranging from youths to young married women including survivors with Disabilities, to educate them, hear their stories, and connect them with medical professionals,” Babalola stated. “These women will be referred to various hospitals for assessment and treatment to help them overcome the effects of FGM.”
Babalola called for support and partnership from the state government to assist in healing those affected by genital mutilation.
Dr. Bright Jack, a resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, explained that survivors would receive medication and counseling if their sexual experiences have been negatively impacted.
“The pain experienced by women and girls who have undergone FGM is not usually constant in most cases,” Dr. Jack noted. “We can help control the pain by mitigating the effects of FGM. For those experiencing painful intercourse, we will provide assistance through medication and counseling.”
This initiative represents a significant step in addressing the long-term effects of FGM and supporting survivors in Ekiti State.
