Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD), Dame Pauline Tallen, has urged the government to address harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).
Dame Tallen noted that it was pertinent to look into such disturbing issues, if the country was ready to achieve most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, which include health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
FGM refers to the piercing, cutting, removing, or sewing closed all or part of a girl’s or woman’s external genitals for no medical reason.
Although there are no health benefits attached, FGM is often a part of the culture in countries and communities where where it is practiced.
It can cause long-term health challenges for the survivor, such as infections, and trauma. Many women groups have led campaigns to end the age long practice of FGM in Nigerian and across the world.
The Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a ministry of the Nigerian government that seeks to promote the development of women and girls with equal rights and corresponding responsibilities.
