The ZEEC Foundation has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed annually on February 6.
securitynewsalert.com heard that this year’s theme, “Step Up the Pace,” underscores the urgent call for intensified collective action to eliminate the harmful practice and safeguard the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls.
Despite national laws prohibiting FGM in Nigeria, the practice continues to affect millions of women and girls across regions and communities.
Experts warn that FGM carries severe and lifelong consequences, including extreme pain, excessive bleeding, reproductive health complications, heightened risks during childbirth, and long-term emotional and psychological trauma.
Enforcement gaps, entrenched social norms, and limited awareness remain significant barriers to eradication. In response, ZEEC Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s rights through community-based awareness, education, and empowerment initiatives.
“We call on families, community leaders, policymakers, traditional and religious institutions, and civil society organisations to step up the pace by strengthening prevention efforts, enforcing existing laws, amplifying survivor voices, and investing in girls’ education and empowerment,” said Aderemi Blessing, Program Director and Safeguarding Focal Person at ZEEC Foundation.
The organization emphasized that ending FGM requires collective responsibility and urged Nigerians to break the silence, challenge harmful traditions, and build a future where every girl and woman lives free from violence and discrimination.
ZEEC Foundation’s campaign messages include: “Step Up the Pace: End FGM Now,” “Her Body. Her Rights. Zero Tolerance for FGM,” Break the Silence. End FGM,” and “FGM Is Violence, Not Tradition.” The Foundation concluded with a rallying call: Protect girls, protect their future, say no to harmful practices, and work together to end FGM in Nigeria.
Social Media Campaign: #Zeecfoundation #ZeroToleranceFGM #StepUpThePace #EndFGM #GirlsRights #WomenRight
