(C) The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien representative of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, poses for the camera with members of the Edo State Committee on the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation. Photo Credit: MWASD
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• Collaborates with WRAHP, UN, UNICEF
From our news desk, Benin
In the furtherance of efforts to eradicating Female Genital Mutilation, the Senator Monday Okpebholo led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Edo, has officially inaugurated a State Technical Committee against the negative practice.
The State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development acting on behalf of the Government, described the inauguration as a milestone in the collective efforts to eliminate FGM.
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The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien at the event.
This was made known in a press release by the director, media in the Ministry, Daisy Osunde and circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Monday.
Mrs. Abdallah speaking through her representative, Mrs. Ihensekhien said; “The Inauguration of the Edo State Technical Committee (STC) is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to eradicate FGM in our State.
“This is because this committee will provide technical support and guidance to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to ending FGM in our society.”
Mrs. Abdallah disclosed that the project is being implemented by Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) in collaboration with Edo State Ministry of Health, Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and with support from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
She explained; that the initiative aims to accelerate transformative action toward the elimination of FGM, aligning with the Ministry’s core mandate of providing social protection and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
According to Osunde, the Commissioner applauded UNICEF for including Edo State as a beneficiary of the intervention, stating that the partnership underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing deeply rooted cultural practices.
The project she said; covers four Local Government Areas; Oredo, Egor, Ovia-South-West, and Igueben and focusing on 20 communities where the practice is still prevalent.
She highlighted that the journey so far has involved sustained collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and development partners through advocacy visits, community sensitization campaigns, and capacity-building programmes.
Mrs. Abdallah emphasized that the State Technical Committee will play a vital role in guiding project implementation, providing strategic direction and oversight, monitoring progress, and identifying areas for improvement, also fostering partnerships to amplify impact.
She further urged the committee members to work collaboratively and leverage their expertise and experience to drive progress towards a future free from FGM in Edo State.
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Speaking also; the Principal Health Assistant, Federal Ministry of Health, Nwankwo Steven Okezie emphasized that strong collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving the goals of the project.
He described inauguration of the committee as a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to ending FGM in the Edo.
While the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Eighemhenrio emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that perpetrators of FGM are held fully accountable, and existing laws prohibiting the practice are strictly enforced.
As he expressed confidence in the expertise, dedication, and ability of committee members to carry out their mandate effectively, and significantly contribute to the elimination of the practice across the State.
Highlight of the event was the official swearing-in of the Committee, which was presided over by the Principal Health Assistant, Federal Ministry of Health, Nwankwo Steven Okezie.
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