In a pivotal move to assist survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Oluyole, Ogo-Oluwa, Oyo East, and Orire local government areas of Oyo State, 1,000 women have received crucial medical care and financial support through a community outreach initiative by Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking during the medical outreach, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, underscored the urgent need to provide healthcare and financial aid to FGM survivors and other vulnerable members of the community.
He emphasized the importance of this initiative, which integrates healthcare, financial empowerment, and advocacy to both transform the lives of survivors and prevent future cases of FGM.
“FGM has long-term physical and psychological effects. Through this outreach, we aim to provide survivors with necessary medical care while raising awareness to end this harmful practice,” Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye stated.
The outreach provided specialized care for FGM-related health issues, including complications, reproductive health concerns, and trauma counseling.
In addition, survivors were given financial grants of N50,000 each to help start small businesses and foster financial independence.
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye expressed gratitude to UNICEF Nigeria for their crucial support, stating, “Together, we are creating healthier, safer communities and advancing the fight against FGM.”
He also encouraged attendees to become advocates in their communities to spread the message against FGM.
Mrs. Balikis Olawoyin from the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board and Mrs. Adeshola Aderibigbe from the Ministry of Women Affairs praised the initiative, highlighting its critical role in reducing FGM prevalence through a combination of medical intervention and advocacy.
Beneficiaries of the outreach stressed the importance of continued efforts to eradicate FGM. They called on government bodies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders to intensify awareness and enforce protective laws to bring an end to the harmful practice.
