Over 230 Million Girls Affected Worldwide as Ondo Health Journalists Demand End to FGM
As the number of girls and women living with the consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) rises to an estimated 230 million globally, the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Ondo State Chapter, has called for urgent and coordinated action to end the harmful practice.
In a statement issued to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the group described FGM as a grave violation of the rights of women and girls, warning that weak enforcement of existing laws continues to endanger millions.
According to global estimates as of February 2026, more than 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM, representing a 15 per cent increase—about 30 million more cases—over the past eight years.
Experts attribute the rise largely to population growth in regions where the practice remains widespread.
NRHJN condemned the continued practice of FGM, stressing that it has no medical justification and causes severe physical, psychological and emotional harm.
The group expressed concern that poor enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-FGM laws has encouraged dangerous trends, including cross-border cutting, where girls are taken to neighboring communities or countries to evade prosecution.
The journalists’ network emphasized that ending FGM requires strong political will, adequate funding, effective prosecution of offenders, sustained public education, and the active involvement of men, boys, as well as traditional and religious leaders.
Linking FGM to broader social and development challenges, NRHJN noted that the practice contributes to early and forced marriage, loss of educational opportunities, and the denial of economic empowerment for girls.
It also observed that FGM has increasingly been associated with failed and multiple marriages, as some men seek partners they believe can meet sexual expectations shaped by harmful cultural norms.
The group urged governments at all levels to strictly enforce anti-FGM laws, impose stiffer penalties on offenders, provide comprehensive support for survivors, and strengthen community-based prevention efforts.
“Ending Female Genital Mutilation is urgent, achievable and necessary,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by the State Coordinator, Fatima Muraina and the Secretary, Dupe Isename, NRHJN, Ondo State Chapter.
