The Rivers State Government, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has initiated a three-day training programme aimed at ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state.

Held at the Women Affairs Complex in Port Harcourt, the training brought together 60 community-based facilitators, mainly women, to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM.

The initiative seeks to empower community facilitators to educate their communities on the risks and repercussions of FGM.

Prof. Justina Jumbo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, described FGM as a crime against girls and women, which diminishes their dignity, health, and future.

She highlighted that the state government has enacted laws to prohibit harmful practices against females and urged participants to disseminate the message to rural communities, warning that offenders will face legal penalties.

Prof. Jumbo noted that the state government is committed to protecting the girl child and ending FGM practices in the state. She expressed appreciation to the State’s Administrator, Vice Admiral (RTD) Ibok-Ete Ekwe, UNFPA, and UNICEF for their support in organising the programme.

When asked if the advocacy message would be taken to all LGAs, the Permanent replied affirmatively, stating that the programme would be scaled up to other LGAs of the State.

Additionally, the Chief Field Officer, UNICEF, Port Harcourt, Mr. Anselm Audu, urged parents in Rivers State not to subject their female children to Female Genital Mutilation.

The UNICEF Chief also acknowledged the role of community participation in the fight against FGM.

Facilitators at the training emphasised the importance of good communication, empathy, and compassion in reaching out to rural dwellers, as well as inclusiveness, flexibility, and strong leadership in driving the message.

Some participants at the training expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government, UNFPA, and UNICEF for facilitating the exercise.

They also expressed their commitment to eradicating FGM, citing domesticated laws and the need to protect the future of their children.

The training is expected to significantly support the state government’s efforts to eliminate FGM, with trained facilitators who will, in turn, retrain others in their communities from engaging in such barbaric practices.

Teaching and learning aids will be provided to the trainees for ongoing retraining as the programme continues.