As the world commemorates the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI) has called for accelerated action, sustained commitment, and strategic investment to end the harmful practice by 2030.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, the organisation joined the global community in renewing calls to strengthen partnerships, scale up community-driven interventions, and close the gaps slowing progress toward eliminating Female Genital Mutilation.
According to him, Female Genital Mutilation remains one of the most persistent forms of violence against girls and women, violating their fundamental human rights and undermining their health, dignity, and socio-economic potential.
He noted that while decades of advocacy have led to measurable progress in some regions, emerging evidence suggests that current efforts are not advancing fast enough to meet global targets.
“For more than a decade, TBI has worked with communities, young people, women leaders, and partners, including UNICEF, to challenge harmful norms, amplify survivor voices, strengthen child protection systems, and support girls to live free from violence,” he said.
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye explained that recent data show that although national prevalence among adult women has declined, FGM is increasingly being carried out on younger girls, often before the age of five. He described the trend as worrying, noting that it underscores the need to move beyond short-term projects toward long-term, well-funded, and community-owned solutions.
“FGM is not sustained by culture alone; it is sustained by silence, weak enforcement, and underinvestment,” he added.
He further emphasised that globally, more than 230 million girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM, while millions more remain at risk each year.
The economic and health costs of managing FGM-related complications run into billions of dollars annually, despite evidence showing that prevention is far more cost-effective and delivers long-term social and economic benefits, he explained.
In Nigeria, FGM cuts across ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries, driven by harmful social norms, misinformation, and deep-rooted gender inequality. The organisation warned that emerging hotspots among younger age groups highlight the urgency of early intervention, sustained community engagement, and stronger enforcement of existing laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and relevant state-level legislation.
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye called for sustained political and policy commitment beyond electoral cycles, increased domestic financing and accountability, continued investment by development partners in locally led, evidence-based interventions, and stronger community ownership involving traditional and religious leaders.
He also stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies for change, as well as investing in data, research, and learning to reach the most at-risk girls.
“As we approach 2030, the question is no longer what works, but whether we are willing to commit the political will, resources, and time required to protect every girl,” he said.
As the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM in 2026, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind.
“Ending FGM by 2030 is still possible,” Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye added.
“But it will only happen if we act with urgency, invest with intention, and stand firm in our commitment to the rights and futures of girls.”
