Nigeria – Senator and former Health Commissioner Iyabo Obasanjo Bello has spoken out against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) during a national seminar on “Women’s Empowerment, Domestic Violence and Female Circumcision” in Abuja, Nigeria last week.

Obasanjo Bello referred to the practice as “outdated and unnecessary” and pointed out that the reasons for which FGM is performed, such as “preventing promiscuity, for genital cleanliness, to safeguard virginity as well as for curing illnesses” were “illogical”.

Not only is FGM based on false beliefs, Obasanjo Bello argued, it also contributes to the spread of HIV, being performed with non-sterile instruments on whole groups of girls. The Senator demanded that “Preventing FGM through education and enlightenment must become part of primary healthcare delivery” in Nigeria.

Source: All Africa