Edo tackles female genital mutilation, takes advocacy to rural communities

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Edesiri Okpebholo Anani, has advocated against female genital mutilation, saying it is barbaric and harmful.

She said this while speaking on “Governor Okpebholo’s one year in office: Driving women empowerment, health, social justice through the Office of the First Lady” in Benin.

Mrs Anani said the administration of Okpebholo has been able to take the message to the nooks and crannies of the state, especially to the rural communities.

Anani said her office is working to shift societal attitudes and secure a safer future for young girls in Edo State by putting an end to female genital mutilation in the state.

She said the governor’s SHINE Agenda has paved the way for the Office of the First Lady to emerge as a catalyst that drives change in the state, with a steadfast focus on women’s empowerment, healthcare, education, support for survivors of gender-based violence, and setting a high standard for inclusive governance and social progress.

She maintained that at the core of her office is a commitment to ensuring that women are not only heard but are also active agents of change, adding that recognising that women are the backbone of every community, her office has rolled out strategic initiatives that empower women economically, politically, and socially.

She added that these efforts align with the broader vision of building a society free from gender-based violence and discrimination.

Speaking on interventions, she said the Office of the First Lady extended immediate support to domestic-violence survivor Uyi Tina, who suffered significant losses after an arson attack on her apartment by her estranged partner.

She said the office awarded her a cheque of N5 million, providing essential financial relief and reaffirming the government’s promise to stand by those in need.

She said the Office of the First Lady also handled the case of Miss Iwinosa Okuonobo, a 20-year-old woman who was trafficked to Burkina Faso at age 15 after being promised a job in Dubai and then forced into sex servitude.

She said the government, through the Office of the First Lady and the State Migration Agency, condemned human trafficking, pledging care and support for her rehabilitation.