February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day dedicated to amplifying voices, challenging harmful practices, and advocating for the protection of girls worldwide. This year’s theme, Her Voice, Her Future, resonates deeply with me, as it reminds us of the urgency to listen, act, and protect the rights of girls and women everywhere.

Female Genital Mutilation refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Despite global efforts, FGM continues to affect millions of girls worldwide, driven by deep-rooted cultural and societal beliefs.

Looking back, my journey in advocating against FGM started in 2005 when I participated in my high school drama, highlighting the disheartening reality of this practice. Even then, as a young girl, I was struck by the pain and injustice inflicted upon so many. Yet, nearly two decades later, we are still riddled with these harmful practices. The statistics are staggering—more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, and millions more remain at risk each year. (UNICEF, 2024). With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. (UNICEF, 2022).  The World Health Organization estimates that treatment of the health complications of FGM is estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion per year; this clearly shows that there are no health benefits to this practice, only harm.

FGM is not merely a cultural practice; it is a human rights violation with devastating consequences. It is unscientific, uncivilized, utterly callous and barbaric. Girls who undergo this procedure suffer long-term physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. The risks include severe bleeding, infections, complications in childbirth, and even death. Beyond the physical harm, it robs them of autonomy over their bodies and their futures.

In many rural communities, FGM is upheld by deeply ingrained traditions and societal norms. As  I  reflect on the effectiveness of advocacy against FGM in the regions of south-east and south-west where it is prevalent, I’m left to ask, are we genuinely reaching the most vulnerable? Are policies and interventions translating into real change?

The government and organizations have taken steps to combat FGM, yet implementation gaps remain. Laws exist, but enforcement is weak. Awareness campaigns are launched, but cultural resistance persists. For real change to happen, we must move beyond policies on paper and focus on grassroots engagement.

The fight against FGM is not just for activists or policymakers but for all of us. We must empower survivors, amplify their voices, and challenge societal norms that perpetuate this violence. It is time to stand with the millions of girls at risk and ensure that their voices shape a future free from harm.

Her voice matters. Her future is worth fighting for.

Together, we can end FGM—once and for all.