Residents of six communities in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have vowed to end Female Genital Mutilation in their domain and also follow legal procedures in dealing with cases of female circumcision.
The communities are – Coker, Otan Ile, Oduola, Boredun, Oniyere and Otuuru.
The residents made the pledge on Thursday after their representatives, alongside security personnel in the local government, signed the consensus-building forms on the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation.
The communities had earlier been sensitised on the danger of female circumcision during dialogue meetings organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Action Health Incorporated (AHI), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The dialogue meetings were done through three community-based organisations in Osun state selected by AHI to support the anti-FGM implementation in project communities – Mowalek Centre for Sustainable Community Development, TEMI Foundation for Women & Youth Development and
Livingspring Human Development Initiative.
The representatives of the communities, who included traditional chiefs and market leaders, while speaking during the consensus-building held at Ilase-Ijesa town hall, agreed to ensure the eradication of FGM in their respective communities.
Speaking with journalists after the signing of the consensus form by the participants, the Chief Executive Officer, Mowalek Centre for Sustainable Community Development, Mr Michael Olusesi, appreciated Action Health Incorporated for giving the organisations the opportunity to engage with the communities.
Olusesi who said the communities had earlier declared to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in their area, noted that their representatives have documented their decisions through the signing of the consensus form.
He disclosed that the organisations familiarise the communities with the laws guarding against female circumcision in the state, adding that the security operatives present have also vowed to work with the communities and apprehend anyone found culpable.
He said, “The kings from the six communities sent representatives, and they all agreed and signed the consensus-building form that they will work to end FGM and follow the legal procedures.
“We have laws against Female Genital Mutilation in Osun, and we have explained these laws to the communities, and our security personnel have also promised to work with the communities to ensure those who are still engaging in the act are apprehended and made to face the law.
“Laws lie the Criminal Code, Capital 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State; Osun State Female Circumcision and Genital Mutilation (Prohibition) Law, 2004 and the Child Rights Law, 2007, are on ground to punish whoever engages in female circumcision in the state.
“We must make sure we punish the offenders in order to serve as a deterrent to others who are planning to engage in this harmful act. These laws are implementable, provided that Stakeholders can come together and speak in one voice. Security agencies have a lot to do and they must assist in eradicating this menace.”
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