On 24 September 2026, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI), leveraging the Egbeda LGA Traditional Council meeting, engaged traditional and community leaders from autonomous communities across Egbeda Local Government Area in advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen leaders’ understanding of the harmful physical, psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences associated with FGM and to promote collective action towards protecting girls and women.
A total of 122 traditional and community leaders, comprising 94 males and 28 females, participated in the engagement. Their participation provided an important platform to emphasise the role of traditional institutions in influencing community norms, challenging harmful practices and promoting positive social and behavioural change.
Discussions highlighted that ending FGM requires collective responsibility involving families, traditional and religious institutions, community groups, men, women, young people, government, civil society organisations and development partners.
The traditional and community leaders took ownership of the FGM abandonment agenda, acknowledged the harmful effects of the practice and publicly denounced FGM. They were encouraged to use their influence and community platforms to promote positive cultural practices and protect the dignity, safety and rights of girls and women.
The engagement strengthened community ownership and stakeholder collaboration while reinforcing the need for sustained advocacy, documentation and follow-up of leadership commitments.
Together, we can challenge harmful norms and create a future where every girl is protected from FGM.
#TrailblazerInitiativeNigeria #EndFGM #StopTheCut #EgbedaSaysNo #ProtectGirls #CommunityAction #AbandonFGM #OyoState #PositiveChangeInevitable
