The wife of the Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has said that the prevalent rate of female genital mutilation, has dropped by 54 percent in the state.
Mrs. Nwifuru made the disclosure during the road work to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting, organized by the Better Health for Rural Women Children and Internally Displaced in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and other development partners.
During the road work, the governor’s wife represented by Mrs. Nkechi Echiegu, said the cultural menace had reduced drastically and thanked development partners for their collaborative efforts.
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Speaking on the theme: “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM,” called on traditional rulers, stakeholders and birth attendants to work collectively to achieve zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, represented by Mrs. Roseline Orji, said that an alliance with community and religious leaders will assist in the reduction of the harmful practice.
UNFPA representative, Kosarachi Nwite and the Coordinator, Gender Based Violence Taskforce, Mrs. Faithvin Nwanchor, reiterated their commitment to ensure the continuous decline of female genital mutilation, as a severe violation of human rights, affecting women and girls.
