In observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, 2025, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has called for unified efforts to eradicate the practice. She emphasized that FGM is a violation of human rights affecting millions of girls and women globally. Meranda highlighted the theme of this year’s observance, #StepUpThePace, as a rallying cry to accelerate initiatives against FGM. She stressed that the responsibility to end this harmful practice extends beyond governments to include legislators, healthcare professionals, and all concerned individuals.
The Speaker reaffirmed her commitment to promoting policies that protect young girls’ health, dignity, and rights. She urged society to unite in safeguarding the future of daughters by ensuring their well-being and upholding their rights. Meranda also encouraged individuals to take action within their capacities, emphasizing that a world free from FGM is achievable through collective effort. FGM encompasses all procedures involving the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is most often performed on girls between infancy and age 15 and is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on February 6, is part of the United Nations’ global efforts to eradicate the practice. It serves as a platform to raise awareness and promote actions against FGM worldwide. Hon. Meranda’s call to action aligns with global initiatives aimed at ending FGM and protecting the rights of women and girls. Her advocacy underscores the importance of community involvement and policy support in combating this harmful practice.
