Every February 6 was designated by the UN General Assembly as the International day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation; with the sole purpose to amplifying and directing the efforts on the elimination of this harmful practice.
This year’s theme is “Partnering with Men and Boys to transform Social and Gender norms to End FGM” and in order to commemorate this day, Value Re-orientation for Community Enhancement (VARCE) a non-governmental and non-profit making organization, working on children, women and youth development visited 3 Schools within Osogbo and Olorunda LGAs of Osun State.
The schools visited were: Unity High School, The School of Persons with Special Needs and Laro Grammar School all in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.
At Laro Grammar school, over 400 boys were sensitized about the various complications associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). These boys were engaged through interaction sessions and were also encouraged to take up active roles towards eliminating FGM in their schools and their communities. These boys pledged to sensitize their fellow students and family members about FGM and also to report cases of FGM in their immediate environment.
The VARCE team sensitized over 300 girls at Unity High School and also debunked the various myths and misconceptions associated with FGM. All the questions raised by these adolescent girls were adequately answered. After the interactive sessions, the adolescent girls pledged their support for the Movement for Good to End FGM. Likewise, they promised to lend their voices and serve as change agents in eliminating the practice of FGM.
Lastly, in order to foster inclusion and equality, the VARCE team also visited the School of Persons with Special Needs where 26 girls were sensitized about FGM. It was a very interactive session as the girls shared lessons learnt and also pledged to sensitize their parents and fellow students on the harmful effects of FGM.
VARCE has received series of support from UNICEF Nigeria to reach thousands of community members with the message of EndFGM.
The VARCE team comprised of Adefunke Ogunleye (the Project Manager), Azeezat Oyekola, Deborah Adebayo, Akinkunmi Olorode and Anifat Oladele.
