Abolish Female Genital Mutilation, Empower Girls- FemPawa
Oru Leonard
Abuja, Nigeria – As the world marks International Day of the Girl Child, Nigerian activists are intensifying calls to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) and address menstrual poverty.
Dorkong Rimdan, founder of Female Power Menstrual Awareness Initiative, led a grassroots outreach in Mpape, Abuja, emphasizing FGM’s devastating impact on girls’ health, dignity, and future.
“FGM offers no positive outcomes and must be eradicated,” Rimdan stressed. “It’s a harmful cultural practice leaving lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars.”
Rimdan also advocated for subsidized sanitary pads, citing menstrual poverty’s pervasive issue.
“Condoms are distributed freely; why not sanitary pads?” she asked.
Chigozie Nsofor, founder of Chigie Nsofor Foundation, echoed the need for education and empowerment.
“Building girls’ intellectual capacity helps them break barriers and achieve dreams,” Nsofor said.
Oloseni Victoria, Publicity Secretary of FIDA Abuja branch, reaffirmed FIDA’s commitment to enhancing girls’ well-being.
“Collaborations like this empower young girls and provide essential health information,” Victoria said.
The outreach, which included practical skills training and menstrual hygiene product distribution, was met with enthusiasm from women and girls in the community.
Beneficiary Allison Emmanuel expressed gratitude, saying, “I learned valuable skills and knowledge… I beg the government to do more for us.”
The event highlighted the urgent need for policy changes and community engagement to protect girls’ rights and promote their well-being.
“Girls’ rights are human rights,” Rimdam concluded. “Let’s work together to create a safer, more empowering environment for all girls.”
Photo Credit: UN
