1-Day Youth End FGM Summit in Isiala Mbano LGA

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating awareness for the well-being of Girls and Women, Community & Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI) with support from Youth Network for Community & Sustainable Development (YNCSCD) under the Youth Anti-FGM Network Programme Phase 2 recently organized a 1-Day End FGM Youth Summit in Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State. This event, held at the Christ Anglican Church Cathedral in Ezihe, brought together over 50 enthusiastic youths from five communities, namely Ezihe, Ihim, Osu Owerre, Umunchi, and Isiala Umunchi.

During the opening session, Rev Daberechi Moneke, a priest from the Anglican Church Cathedral, Ezihe, expressed his satisfaction with the program, emphasizing its timeliness amidst the rising prevalence of gender-based violence in communities, he encouraged participants to take the learnings seriously, recognizing the pivotal role youths play in combating issues related to gender-based violence.

Also the Executive Director of the Community & Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI) and the State Coordinator of the Youth Anti-FGM Network Felxfame Enisire while making a presentation shaded light on the various forms of Sexual & Gender-Based Violence with emphasis on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), particularly highlighting the disturbing trend of Type IV FGM: Unclassified. This includes harmful procedures like piercing the clitoris, cauterization, cutting the vagina, and using corrosive substances. The presentation revealed a shift from traditional cutting to alternative methods, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

Acknowledging the significant role survivors play in advocating against FGM, the Executive Director urged survivors present at the event to speak out against this practice, emphasizing that survivors can lead the campaign effectively, drawing from their personal experiences.  This aligns with the theme for this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance to End Female Genital Mutilation, which focuses on investing in survivors-led movements to end Female Genital Mutilation. He encouraged youths, especially FGM survivors, to join the Youth Anti-FGM Network in Imo State, highlighting the wealth of resources and capacity-building opportunities available to support their campaigns against FGM in their respective communities most especially FGM survivors.

Reacting to the presentations made at the summit, Osuagwu Uzoma a young man from Ihim community asked why male circumcision is not being talked about and why there are no advocacy programs to end male circumcision. He was made to understand that male circumcision is for medical purposes and is a good practice for men. Osunwa Bertha a young lady from Ezihe community stated that she doesn’t understand why touching the female genitalia with Vaseline should be considered as FGM as it does not involve any form of cutting or bloodshed. More light was thrown to her that any practice done to that area for non-medical purposes is seen as mutilation and a violation of the fundamental human rights of Girls and Women.

The Youth Summit concluded with a newfound understanding among participants regarding the various forms of FGM. The youths developed an action plan, emphasizing the inclusion of messages on piercing the clitoris, cauterization, and other unclassified types of FGM in their future community engagements. This strategic approach aims to raise awareness and ultimately eradicate FGM within Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State and, subsequently, other communities in Imo State.

The 1-Day End FGM Youth Summit marks a significant milestone in the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation. Empowering youths, especially survivors, with knowledge and resources is a crucial step towards building resilient communities free from gender-based violence. As these youths embark on their campaigns, the echoes of change vibrate, carrying the promise of a future where FGM is but a distant memory.