The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents in the state to take advantage of the Vivian Ogu Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Benin City, the state capital to report cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of Gender-Based Violence inorder to eradicate the menace in the state.

He said this in commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, a United Nations-sponsored annual awareness day, as part of efforts to eradicate the global menace.

Obaseki said, “As part Edo State Government’s commitment to end this practice that violates women’s rights to sexual and reproductive health, physical integrity, non-discrimination and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment, we established the Vivian Ogu Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Benin City to provide a one-stop free clinic for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence as well as the required care and support for girls.

He added, “With our basic education reforms, through our EdoBEST programme, we are also equipping girls in the state with a sound educational foundation. Education is a vital tool in addressing Female Genital Mutilation and other forms of Gender-Based violence as it exposes the girl-child to information, new concepts and encourages them to exchange ideas along with access to various sources of information and technology that foster social relations and developments.”

The governor urged multilateral organizations and civil rights groups to complement the state’s government efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation by leading sensitizations to increase awareness that discourages cultures which allow female genital mutilation leading to long-term physical, psychological and social consequences.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Marking the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the context of COVID-19 is a timely reminder of the health sector’s vital role in ending this violation of girls’ and women’s health and human rights.

“From offering preventive services at the primary care level to ensuring the highest quality care possible for women and girls who have already undergone FGM, healthcare providers are powerful agents for change and service in their communities.”