FIDA Synergizes with Wives of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers over need to end FGM
...seeks amendment to laws against FGM
By Odie Ramon, Yenagoa.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on Friday met with wives of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers over the need for an end to the cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and violence against Women in the State.
The meeting, which was held at the Traditional Rulers’ Council secretariat, was part of the event to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the theme: “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM, examined the issues and effects of the FGM among women.
The Chairperson of FIDA, Bayelsa State Chapter, Dr. Boma Tonye Miebai, who led a delegation to the Wives of Traditional Rulers, highlighted the dangers of FGM and the urgent need to strengthen the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law of Bayelsa State.
Legal experts, including Dr. Dise Goddy Harry, examined the existing provisions, which prescribe a two-year imprisonment or ₦200,000 fine for offenders and a one-year imprisonment or ₦100,000 fine for those who submit to the practice.
A medical expert further outlined the severe physical and psychological effects of FGM.
Barr Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe further urged the Wives of Traditional Rulers to join hands with FIDA to get the message across to their various domains as the alliance for synergy to end FGM.
Tonye Miebai emphasized that the current penalty for FGM is not stringent enough to serve as a deterrent.
She also called on the leadership of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to amend the law, stressing that “Zero tolerance for FGM can be achieved if the punishment is more stringent and stiffer.”
In their various messages at the end of the session, the wives of the Traditional Rulers led by HRM QUEEN TIMINIPRE BUBARAYE DAKOLO and represented by HRM Queen Tessy Diongoli declared their readiness to assist in ensuring and taking the #ZeroTolerance message to their domains and partnering with FIDA in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
