Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and with the support of UNICEF Nigeria, convened a one-day orientation and engagement meeting with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), Patent Medicine Vendors (PMVs), and Community Health Workers (CHWs) on the elimination of the medicalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), prevention strategies, and strengthening case reporting mechanisms.
The meeting, held at UMCA Ogunbode Grammar School Hall, Igbeti Olorunsogo LGA, commenced with the singing of the second stanza of the National Anthem as an opening prayer. Mrs. Oluwapelumi Owolabi, Programme Assistant at Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, facilitated the sessions with an engaging and practical approach.
Through her dynamic facilitation, participants moved beyond theory into practice, engaging in role plays, group discussions, and scenario-based exercises that helped them simulate real-life situations and build confidence in addressing myths, misconceptions, and harmful narratives around FGM with fact-based, compassionate communication.
A detailed presentation on FGM and its consequences highlighted the health risks, psychosocial impacts, and legal implications of the practice.
During the interactive session, participants shared deeply personal testimonies and commitments toward ending FGM:
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Mrs. Olaleye Risikatu, a health worker, recounted her past involvement in circumcision of both male and female children, driven by cultural beliefs linking female circumcision to morality. After learning the dangers of FGM, she renounced the practice, refused to allow her daughter-in-law to circumcise her child, and publicly placed a curse on anyone attempting the act within her family.
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Mrs. Oyeride Ibilola Rofiat, Officer-in-Charge and midwife in Igbeti, acknowledged that while FGM was deeply rooted in tradition, her awareness of its harmful effects compelled her to stop the practice and become an advocate for change.
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Mrs. Margaret Folarin, a Patent Medicine Vendor, testified that she once carried out FGM but has since abandoned it. She now actively counsels pregnant women and community members against the practice and requested official identification to enhance her credibility as an anti-FGM advocate.
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Mrs. Oladipupo Victoria advised that more fact sheets and communication materials be made available to enable community actors to pass on accurate information effectively.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, appreciated the participants for their openness and willingness to transform their communities. He urged them to carry forward accurate information, engage their networks, and serve as frontline advocates in eliminating FGM across Oyo State.
The meeting ended with formal closing by Mrs. Oluwapelumi Owolabi, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots advocacy, prevention, and case reporting on FGM.
