By Adeola Badru

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee and a technical working group dedicated to tackling issues surrounding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence.

The event, which coincided with the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, was held yesterday at the Local Government Staff Training School in Agodi, Ibadan, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, underscored the interconnectedness of the fight against FGM with broader societal issues.

“The struggle against female genital mutilation and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence is not isolated. It is part of a broader agenda to ensure equal access to economic opportunities for both genders, human rights protection, and social inclusion,” she said.

According to her, addressing these issues required a holistic approach that encompasses economic empowerment and rehabilitation for affected women and girls.

Mrs. Balogun detailed the objectives of the newly formed committees, which she said: “These committees are tasked with developing a strategic, comprehensive, and results-driven roadmap for the implementation of the Oyo State Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation between now and 2030.”

“This roadmap is expected to be crafted within three months of the committees’ formation, demonstrating a commitment to timely and effective action.”

“The steering committee and technical working group will also be responsible for fostering cross-sectoral policies that promote sustainable solutions to gender inequalities.”

“We aim to create a collaborative platform to address all forms of gender inequalities and related challenges. This includes engaging in community mobilization and advocacy, ensuring access to legal protections for women and girls, and monitoring the effectiveness of various interventions through data collection,” she added.

As the state embarked on the crucial initiative, Mrs. Balogun called on all stakeholders to unite towards common goals, adding that: “I urge all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating economic stability, safer spaces for women, and ending harmful cultural practices.”

In the same vein, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), also aligned with the ongoing efforts of the state government to eliminate FGM by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Tolulope Bewaru, highlighted the transformative changes that have taken root at the grassroots level.

“Together, we have built a strong framework that not only prevents FGM but also heals and empowers survivors,” she remarked.

Bewaru shared notable achievements from 2024, including life-changing surgical repairs for five survivors of FGM-related complications and training for law enforcement on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.

“Over 500,000 women and girls have received quality prevention and care services from 350 healthcare workers across 144 health facilities in Oyo State,” Bewaru noted.

She further pointed out the cultural shifts occurring within communities, with 45 communities in 10 local government areas publicly declaring their abandonment of FGM.

“Most importantly, 363 babies were spared from the trauma of FGM last year, proof that our collective efforts are making a difference where it matters most,” she added.