By Justina Auta
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through advocacy, public enlightenment, and legal intervention, particularly in rural communities.
Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of FIDA’s Abuja branch, made the commitment in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a media parley in Abuja.
Onyenucheya-Uko said that ignorance remains a major factor fueling harmful traditional practices, including FGM.
She said that FIDA had intensified its awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
“What FIDA will continue to do in curbing the ignorance that fuels some of these harmful practices, including FGM, is to take advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns to rural communities.
“We have already carried out such initiatives in a community in Kuje, and this is something we are committed to sustaining, especially during my three-year tenure,” she said.
According to her, FIDA has also taken steps to simplify and translate the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAP Act) into formats that are easily accessible to the public.
“We have translated and simplified the provisions of the VAP Act, even in animated versions. Additionally, we plan to translate them into local languages for better understanding by those who do not speak English.
” This will ensure that more people become aware of the law, understanding that FGM is not only immoral but also unlawful, with legal consequences for offenders.”
The chairperson added that beyond advocacy, FIDA has committed to taking legal action in cases of FGM brought to its attention.
“If we receive credible reports of FGM cases where a child or an individual has been victimised, FIDA will take up such cases pro bono, ensuring that justice is pursued in the courts,” she added.
Onyenucheya-Uko urged communities, stakeholders, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate with it in the fight against FGM and other harmful traditional practices.
NAN reports that as part of its advocacy on FGM, FIDA Abuja Branch initiated a social media advocacy challenge that has prizes to be won in order to create more awareness. (NAN)
