The Joint Donor Program on Promoting the Elimination of FGM Phase III is aimed at eliminating the practice of FGM in Nigeria especially in the five focal states – Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ebonyi and Imo states. In the year 2020, CIRDDOC carried out series of interventions in Imo and Ebonyi states.  

As part of a media awareness campaign on prevention and spread of COVID-19 and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) including Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention in the communities, CIRDDOC produced clips for jingles which featured the Chairman Imo state Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Dr Samuel Agunwa Ohiri.  Eze Ohiri made a public statement on behalf of all the traditional rulers in Imo state which was produced as radio jingle in Ibo and Pidgin English.  The jingle which was aired for thirty-one days in Imo state was aimed at raising awareness on the prevention and spread of COVID-19, FGM and GBV prevention. 

Community Based Surveillance Committees were established in four communities that publicly declared the abandonment of FGM in 2019.  The surveillance committees are charged with the responsibility of monitoring, documenting, reporting and referring cases of FGM to the appropriate authorities.  In addition, they serve as the “eye” of the community to ensure FGM abandonment compliance. 

CIRDDOC conducted Intergenerational Dialogue on the Abandonment of FGM which was aimed at educating, creating awareness and strengthening knowledge on harms and dangers related to FGM. The Intergenerational Dialogue among others, created a forum for cooperation and understanding between younger and older generations towards taking inclusive and decisive community action to eliminate FGM.

Another activity implemented is Consensus Building on the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation.  The Consensus Building process involved conversations which centred on the harmful effects of FGM and the need for targeted communities to make voluntary decision to publicly declare abandonment of FGM. 

After the Consensus Building, public declaration was convened during which community leaders representing eleven communities publicly declared the abandonment of FGM.

Under the Spotlight Initiative project, CIRDDOC conducted a Community Mobilisation and Sensitisation on the Elimination of Early Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.  A total number of 836 people from five communities in Ebonyi state were sensitised.

Project Achievements/Results:

• Eleven communities publicly declared the abandonment of FGM.
• Community leaders and religious leaders are championing the fight to end FGM.
• Improved knowledge on the harmful effects of FGM.
• A former cutter in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi state, Mrs. Ogo Ugbala downed tools and is advocating against FGM. According to her, she decided to abandon FGM after being part of series of interventions carried out by CIRDDOC.
• An estimated population of three million were reached with messages on COVID-19 and Gender Based Violence including Female Genital Mutilation.
• Established a good relationship with the Chairman of Imo state Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Dr. Samuel Agunwa Ohiri in the fight against COVID-19 and Gender Based Violence.
• Promoted behavioural change on the elimination of SGBV.
• Community leaders are better equipped to advocate against early marriage and FGM.
• Girls are better informed to resist early marriage and report such cases to relevant authorities.