NGO Decries Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in Imo State, Inaugurates FGM Survivors Network.

 

By TELEGRAM Correspondent

Virgin Heart Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Imo State, has expressed deep concern over the alarming prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state. The Foundation is calling on the Imo State Government and the Ministry of Justice to ensure the full enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law particularly Section 9—and the state’s domesticated Law Prohibiting FGM.

Speaking during a one-day inaugural meeting with 90 FGM survivors from four local government areas—Oru East, Oru West, Nwangele, and Nkwerre—the Team Lead and Gender Focal Officer of Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike, revealed that an estimated 85% of women and girls aged 0 to 49 in Oru east and west communities have undergone FGM.

She identified Oru East and Oru West as the most affected areas, describing the practice as a harmful tradition that has caused devastating health and psychological consequences. Oru east and West LGAs still practice type 1 FGM clitoridectomy, involving removal or cutting of the clitoris of a girl child .

The survivors, who were inaugurated during the event, shared deeply distressing personal experiences and long-term health complications, including:

Keloids and lumps in the genital area

Loss of sexual intimacy

High risk of infections

Prolonged labour during childbirth

Depression and PTSD

Painful menstruation and urinary retention

Offensive genital odour and uncontrolled passing of gas

FGM in Imo State is mostly performed on girls between 0 to 14 years with the highest risk period being the first three months after birth.

She hinted that the most common FGM type in Imo State is unclassified, involving pricking, massaging, the use of hot water, herbs, corrosive substances, and vaseline on the genitalia—often conducted by traditional circumcisers and birth attendants.

“The practice is deeply rooted in cultural, moral, and religious beliefs, which continue to perpetuate and normalize FGM across communities,” Dike said.

FGM, defined as the partial or total removal of female external genitalia for non-medical reasons, has no health benefits and is recognized globally as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. The procedure increases the risk of infections, severe pain, excessive bleeding, childbirth complications, and mental trauma.

Virgin Heart Foundation, with support from the UNICEF-UNFPA Joint Programme, is currently implementing the “Movement for Good” initiative across 30 communities in Imo State, aiming to eliminate FGM and other harmful traditional practices in line with SDG Goal 5.3.

During the meeting, the survivors were trained to identify other victims of FGM and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), link them with service providers for medical and psychosocial support, and conduct community sensitization campaigns.

The Head of Department (HOD), Health, Oru East LGA, Chinwendu Comfort Obileme lamented the continued involvement of traditional birth attendants who clandestinely perform FGM, especially on infants under 3 months old. “Most cases come to light only when complications arise and parents rush their children to health centres. She said.

According to national statistics, 86% of Nigerian women who have undergone FGM experienced the procedure before age five. With over 19.9 million affected, Nigeria accounts for nearly 10% of global FGM survivors.

The South-East zone has the highest prevalence in Nigeria, with Imo State recording the highest rate at 61.7% among women aged 15–49 and Imo state with 38% of women 15-49 years who have been Mutilated.

The organisation observes and warned that Health Officers perpetuating FGM , known as  medicalization of FGM  in these areas will be prosecuted for dangerous violation .

Virgin Heart Foundation is calling for urgent and strict legal action to curb this persistent violation and to protect the rights and health of girls and women in Imo State.