In Osun State more than 3,600 adolescent girls have been mobilised by Value Re-Orientation for Community Enhancement (VARCE) to take the lead in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This was revealed by the Executive Director, Mr Adebisi Ademola, while delivering his remarks during an orientation and engagement meeting with traditional birth attendance and patent medicine dealers held in Ede North Local Government Area.
In partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), VARCE has trained over 300 adolescent girls as Adolescent Gender Champions (AGCs) to lead local campaigns for the eradication of FGM across the state.
These gender champions have gone on to train their fellow adolescents, reaching more than 3,300 other girls in various communities.
Speaking at the event, Mr Adebisi Ademola highlighted the strength and resolve of young people in driving real and lasting transformation. He stated that the initiative is taking place in four Local Government Areas: Ejigbo, Ede North, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West, where girls are being empowered to raise their voices and take action.
Adding that, “We’re not only encouraging these girls to speak out; we are helping them own this cause. One girl’s voice can motivate an entire community,”.
He applauded the girls and community facilitators training the girls for their dedication and passion, urging them to keep serving as positive examples. He also appreciated the constant backing of UNICEF Nigeria, the Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, the Ministry of Health, and the National Orientation Agency.
With thousands of girls now raising their voices, communities across Osun State are witnessing a strong movement to end FGM, led by the very girls who previously had no voice in the matter. Their bravery is helping to transform age-old beliefs and create safer, healthier futures for other girls.
