UNICEF, experts call for inclusive advocacy to end female genital mutilation

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A female genital mutilation (FGM) consultant, Mrs. Aderonke Olutayo, has called for the inclusion of men and boys in campaigns aimed at eliminating the harmful practice.

She said the exclusion of males from most FGM dialogues has prolonged the age-old tradition in many communities.

Speaking at a two-day media dialogue to support advocacy to end FGM in Nigeria — organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) — in Benin, Edo State, Olutayo stressed that men are often the primary decision-makers in families. Therefore, their involvement could significantly accelerate efforts to eliminate FGM by the year 2030.

“Fathers and boys must be engaged as champions and advocates if we truly want to end this menace,” she noted.

The consultant also expressed concern over the increasing normalization and medicalization of FGM, where some health workers and patent medicine vendors secretly perform the procedure under the guise of safety.

According to Olutayo, if urgent interventions are not implemented, FGM risks becoming further entrenched, and survivors will continue to face neglect.

In her welcome address, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, called for a collective effort between UNICEF and media practitioners to help end FGM in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, urged journalists to intensify awareness campaigns — while also cautioning against overhyping reports in ways that could deepen the trauma of survivors.