By Douglas Princemola
The fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Imo State received a major boost with the inauguration of the Women Community Activation Network (W-CAN), a community-driven platform established to accelerate efforts toward the complete elimination of the harmful practice.
The initiative, organized by the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative with support from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, brings together women representatives from all 27 Local Government Areas of the state to champion advocacy, accountability, and grassroots action against FGM.
The inauguration attracted a range of stakeholders, including wives of traditional rulers, religious and community women leaders, persons with disabilities, market women representatives, government officials, law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions, legal practitioners, political actors, and media organizations.
The newly established network is designed to serve as a platform for women to engage their communities, raise awareness about the dangers of FGM, and promote the rights and wellbeing of girls and women. Through coordinated action across the state’s 27 LGAs, members of W-CAN are expected to play a key role in changing attitudes and encouraging communities to abandon the practice.
Speaking at the event, participants highlighted the importance of community-led interventions in addressing deeply rooted social norms that sustain FGM. They noted that women, as mothers, caregivers, community leaders, and advocates, are well-positioned to drive conversations that protect girls from harmful traditional practices.
Stakeholders also stressed the need for increased collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and the media to ensure that anti-FGM messages reach every corner of the state. They agreed that sustained awareness campaigns and community engagement are essential for lasting change.
Participants pledged their commitment to protecting girls and women from FGM, a practice known to cause serious physical and psychological harm. They also pledged support for the implementation of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of 2021, which criminalizes FGM and provides legal protection for survivors.
Representatives from relevant ministries and agencies encouraged community leaders and women advocates to report cases of FGM and support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable girls. They emphasized that enforcing existing laws and strengthening community surveillance can help prevent new cases and hold perpetrators accountable.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore practical strategies for expanding advocacy efforts at the grassroots level. Many attendees expressed optimism that the network would strengthen local ownership of the campaign against FGM and encourage greater participation by women in safeguarding children’s rights.
Speaking with one voice, stakeholders stated that every girl deserves to grow up healthy, safe, educated, and free from violence. They called on parents, guardians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to reject FGM and support initiatives that promote the wellbeing and dignity of girls.
The launch of W-CAN marks an important step toward achieving a zero-tolerance culture for FGM in Imo State. With women leading advocacy efforts across communities and institutions working together to protect girls, there is renewed hope for a future where every child can thrive without fear of harmful practices.
