A group, Action Health Incorporated has trained adolescent girls in Ekiti State as advocates and champions against Female Genital Mutilation, FGM.
The five-day programme tagged: “Training of in-school and out-of-school Adolescent Girls on Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Ekiti State”, organised by Action Health Incorporated with the support of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, held in Ilawe-Ekiti.
Speaking with journalists, the programme officer of Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris said “the girls were exposed on the need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
While calling on residents of the state to desist from engaging in FGM, she noted that the girls will advocate for both sexuality education in their schools and communities.
Her words: “It is just to equip the girls on the knowledge and skills they need to make inform decisions about their health. Some of the topics we covered were puberty, menstrual hygiene management and harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation.
“We have trained them and built their capacity to become advocates and champions. They are anti-FGM champions now. They will advocate for both sexuality education in their schools and communities and also train others on the dangers and harmful consequences of FGM.
“They should stop FGM because it has no benefits, rather it causes dangers to the girl-child. They need to stop it.”
Some of the beneficiaries including Adewale Feyisayo promised to be an Anti-FGM advocate while applauding the group for exposing her to the knowledge about FGM and Gender-Based-Violence.
“I am happy to attend the programme. In my life, I have never heard of secondary virginity and FGM and I was able to know all these during the programme.
“During the training, I learnt that FGM is not good and harmful practices that destroy our lives. I promise to be a champion and teach everyone about it and impact the lives of girls out there.”
Also, Damilola Precious said that “I have very happy to attend. I promise to be an advocate to prevent FGM and Gender-Based-Violence.”
Highlights of the programme were interactive sessions, training on how to make reusable sanitary pads, group discussions, among others.
