ZEEC Foundation urges accelerated action to end female genital mutilation in Nigeria

Zach and Eunice We Care Foundation (ZEEC Foundation) has joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for intensified and coordinated efforts to end the harmful practice in Nigeria.

According to the Programme Director & Safeguarding Focal Person, ZEEC Foundation, Aderemi Blessing, observed annually on February 6, this year’s commemoration carries the theme, “Step Up the Pace,” highlighting the urgent need for stronger and faster action to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation and safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls across the world.

The Programme Director stressed that FGM remained a serious violation of human rights and a major public health concern affecting millions of women and girls, particularly in developing countries, including Nigeria.

The Foundation noted that although the prevalence of FGM varies across regions and communities in Nigeria, the practice continues to expose victims to severe and lifelong consequences.

These include extreme pain, excessive bleeding, reproductive health complications, heightened risks during childbirth, and long-term emotional and psychological trauma.

According to ZEEC Foundation, despite the existence of national laws that prohibit Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria, enforcement gaps, deeply rooted harmful social norms, and limited public awareness continue to hinder progress toward eliminating the practice.

“As a women’s rights organization, ZEEC Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding women and girls, advocating zero tolerance for harmful practices, and promoting community-based awareness, education, and empowerment initiatives,” the statement read.

The Foundation emphasized that ending FGM requires collective action involving families, community leaders, policymakers, traditional and religious institutions, and civil society organizations.

To accelerate progress, ZEEC Foundation called on stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts, ensure effective enforcement of existing laws, amplify the voices of survivors, and invest more resources in girls’ education and empowerment programmes.

The organisation further stressed that breaking the cycle of silence surrounding FGM is critical to ending the practice, urging communities to challenge harmful traditions and embrace positive cultural values that protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.

ZEEC Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continuous advocacy, community engagement, and partnerships aimed at building a future where every girl and woman lives free from violence, discrimination, and harmful traditional practices.

The Foundation also used the commemoration to amplify key advocacy messages, including “Step Up the Pace: End FGM Now,” “Her Body. Her Rights. Zero Tolerance for FGM,” and “FGM Is Violence — Not Tradition.”

ZEEC Foundation reiterated that protecting girls means protecting the nation’s future, urging Nigerians to collectively say no to harmful practices and work together to end Female Genital Mutilation once and for all.