Religious leaders, traditional rulers, and parents have been urged to raise awareness and collaborate to end Female Genital Mutilation FGM, practices in Northern Nigeria.
The Project Manager of Empower Her Project, under the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative, Hajiya Hafsat Yusuf, made the call at a one-day workshop held in Kaduna.
Hajiya Hafsat Yusuf appealed to parents and community leaders to intensify efforts in addressing what she described as a nonchalant attitude towards girl-child education, self-reliance, and the persistent practice of FGM.
She lamented that early marriage continues to deprive girls of their rights to education, healthcare, and a secure future, stressing that many communities are still unaware of its long-term consequences.
According to her, there is an urgent need to educate the public and encourage communities to protect and support the girl-child.
A Ward Head from Keke A, Malam Isa Abubakar, described the initiative as impactful, noting that it had transformed community perceptions about the role and rights of the girl-child.
He admitted that many practices were inherited from forefathers without proper understanding of their implications.
Similarly, the Dakacin Keke B, Malam Muhammad Suleiman, said the workshop had broadened his knowledge on how to treat the girl-child with love, care, and dignity, describing it as a platform for continuous learning and community development.
Also speaking, a participant, Malama Hauwa’u Muhammad Sanusi, said the programme had enlightened mothers on the importance of giving equal opportunities to all children in education and skill acquisition for self-reliance.
The workshop featured contributions from legal practitioners, medical experts, and representatives of shelter homes, who provided guidance on effective family and community management.
Fatima Aliyu, Radio Nigeria, Kaduna.
