In commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation 2022, held on February 6, 2022, the leading non government organization; HACEY Health Initiative organized an essay competition call the End Female Genital Mutilation Essay competition in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states

 Nearly 1000 submissions were received from schools in the three state and 15 winners, five from each states were selected, with Oyo having the overall best. Barr. Rahman Abiodun Abdul-Raheem, Oyo State Commissioner of Education, presented the award to the state’s top 5 winners.

The award ceremony which took place at the Conference Room of the state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology saw five students from five secondary schools in the Oyo state awarded for their outstanding performance in the essay competition.

Awolowo Oluwanifemi, an 11-year-old student from God’s blessing Comprehension college, won the overall best, receiving a brand new laptop and a cash reward of 50,000 naira among other star prizes.

The commissioner conveyed his pleasure at her accomplishments and sent her the Governor’s Regards.

In 2020, HACEY initiated the Stopcut project in 3 states with the highest prevalence of FGM in Nigeria, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, with the aim to protect women and girls in the state from FGM by creating awareness on existing laws and policies, and promoting their effective implementation. The project also aims to reduce FGM practice through advocacy, capacity building, and research and education strategies in communities.

The project has engaged and trained state and community key stakeholders to advocate for the enforcement of FGM laws and policies, create awareness on FGM and promote increased reporting of FGM Incidents.

HACEY is undoubtedly making a difference in the fight against FGM in Nigeria and is entirely devoted to putting a stop to this act by advocating laws and policies enforcement.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post HACEY Awards winners of End Female Genital Mutilation Essay Competition in Oyo State appeared first on HACEY.

Female Genital Mutilation is the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia for no medical or religious reason. It is a precursor to a lifelong health and psychological complication that causes irreparable and irreversible harm to its victims.

Female Genital Mutilation originated from ancient beliefs and is practised among many African cultures today. Reports show that an estimate of over 200 million girls has been mutilated – UNFPA, 2020.

In Nigeria, 25% of women and girls between the ages of 15-49 have undergone at least one form of FGM, with the highest prevalence in Ekiti, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun and Imo States. Female Genital Mutilation is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal health outcomes, including obstetric fistula that negatively impacts child health and contributes to child mortality. Other complications resulting from FGM can include excessive bleeding, severe pain and infection.

With support from the UN Trust Fund and Spotlight Initiative, HACEY Health Initiative is executing the StopCut project. This project is a three (3) year project to collaborate with stakeholders across government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and local communities to end FGM in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun States where FGM cases are highly prevalent in Nigeria.

We need continuing and coordinated efforts led by survivors, community leaders, and security agencies to uproot this practice.

Written by Tomiyin Ayibiowu.

The post The StopCut Project: Why We want to End Female Genital Mutilation. appeared first on HACEY.