Ending Female Genital Mutilation In Imo: Chioma Uzodimma Mobilizes Stakeholders With W-CAN Inauguration

The Imo State First Lady, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, has reinforced her commitment to the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state with the inauguration of members of the Women’s Community Activation Network (W-CAN) across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Owerri on Friday, May 29, 2026, was organized by the GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative (GHWFI), the First Lady’s pet project, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation.

Speaking during the inauguration through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Hon. Nkechi Ugwu, Barr. Uzodimma described FGM as a crime against humanity and called for collective action to eliminate the harmful practice.

She stressed that standing against FGM was both a moral obligation and a necessary step towards safeguarding the lives, dignity and future of women and girls.

According to her, the practice violates the rights, health, wellbeing and dignity of women and girls, noting that meaningful change can only be achieved through community-driven initiatives, stakeholder engagement and sustained grassroots advocacy.

“Every girl-child deserves the opportunity to grow in a safe and supportive environment, with access to quality education, good healthcare, and freedom from violence, abuse and harmful cultural practices. Only then can she fully realize her God-given potential and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

The First Lady urged stakeholders to remain committed, proactive and united in promoting dignity, equality, justice and protection for women and girls across Imo State.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chioma Egu, commended the W-CAN initiative, describing Female Genital Mutilation as a major public health concern with devastating lifelong consequences.

She noted that FGM exposes victims to severe physical, psychological and reproductive health challenges and assured that her ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eliminate the practice in the state.

In her goodwill message, Yewande Odusanya, UNFPA Programme Analyst for the United Nations Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Imo State in ending the harmful practice.

She condemned FGM for its damaging effects on women and girls and encouraged participants to serve as agents of change by promoting awareness and advocating for its total abandonment.

Similarly, Hon. Barrister Chineyenwa Owuamalam, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), lauded the inauguration of W-CAN, describing it as a strategic initiative that aligns with key SDG targets, including good health and wellbeing, gender equality, peace, justice, strong institutions, and partnerships for sustainable development.

She emphasized the need to eradicate harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), noting that their elimination is essential for the wellbeing and progress of society.

Owuamalam described W-CAN as a timely and impactful platform that would deepen advocacy efforts at the grassroots by reaching homes, schools, markets, churches, and communities where behavioral change is most needed.

She assured the network of her office’s support and commended the Imo State First Lady, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, for championing the initiative, while also appreciating the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its partnership and support.

Earlier, the Project Manager of GHWFI, Mr. Richard Zeph, described W-CAN as “a movement of responsibility, action and accountability” designed to build a sustainable community-led structure for protecting women and girls and promoting collective action against FGM.

He explained that the initiative was a strategic effort to strengthen advocacy, deepen community engagement and create lasting mechanisms for addressing the harmful traditional practice.

Zeph noted that the inauguration would provide participants with opportunities for learning, reflection, ethical orientation and collective commitment towards ending FGM in their various communities.

He expressed appreciation to Barr. Uzodimma for her unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of women and girls and commended UNFPA for its continued support and partnership in advancing the anti-FGM campaign in Imo State.

Representatives of key institutions also pledged support for the initiative. Speaking on behalf of their organizations, Barr. Gloria Egwuagu of the Ministry of Justice and ASP Rosemary Osuji of the Gender Unit, Imo State Police Command, assured of continued enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and other legal frameworks aimed at protecting vulnerable persons from abuse, violence and harmful traditional practices.

Other stakeholders who applauded the initiative and pledged support for its implementation included the Chairperson of the Imo State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Phil Amaefule; State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, Barr. Ngozi Ejike; Legal Officer of the National Human Rights Commission, Barr. Okorji Ihunanyachukwu; Chairperson of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Mrs. Chizotam Aritola; and Ugoeze Margret Udenkwo, among others.

Participants were drawn from religious organizations, civil society groups, traditional institutions and associations of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

During technical sessions facilitated by the GHWFI Technical Adviser, Mr. Benjamin Mbakwem, and other resource persons, participants received orientations, materials and operational guidelines to support grassroots advocacy efforts.

They were tasked with returning to their communities and organizations to sustain awareness campaigns, document interventions, support survivors and referrals, engage community leaders and monitor commitments aimed at achieving the complete eradication of Female Genital Mutilation in Imo State.

The inauguration of W-CAN marks another significant step in the state’s efforts to protect the rights of women and girls and accelerate progress towards ending Female Genital Mutilation through community ownership and collective action.