A significant breakthrough has been achieved in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Child Marriage, and other forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Kajola Local Government Areas (LGAs). This progress comes in the wake of a comprehensive Policy Advocacy Dialogue involving Parliamentarians (Ward Councillors), LGA Executives, Government Officials, Academia, and Service Providers.
The dialogue focused on the urgent need to address these critical issues that have long plagued these communities. As a direct outcome, LGA Councillors have committed to allocating budgetary provisions specifically for FGM, GBV, and Child Marriage in their annual budgets. This financial commitment is a crucial step toward ensuring sustained and effective interventions to protect vulnerable individuals in these regions.
Moreover, the Councillors have pledged to pass a bye-law explicitly prohibiting FGM in Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Kajola LGAs. This legislative move aims to create a legal framework that unequivocally condemns FGM and provides a basis for enforcement and prosecution of offenders.
In addition to these legislative and financial commitments, community-level actions have also been taken. The Ayete Community in Ibarapa North LGA and Ilero in Kajola LGA have both enacted local sanctions against perpetrators of FGM. In Ayete, a fine of 25,000 naira has been established, while in Ilero, the fine is set at 50,000 naira. These fines serve as immediate deterrents and reflect the communities’ zero-tolerance stance on FGM.
This multi-faceted approach—combining policy, legal, financial, and community actions—marks a significant milestone in the efforts to eradicate FGM, Child Marriage, and GBV in these areas. It underscores the importance of collaborative advocacy and the power of community-driven solutions in achieving lasting change. As these initiatives take root, there is hope for a safer and more equitable future for all individuals in Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Kajola LGAs.
