The Young Men’s Network Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in partnership with YouthHubAfrica and with support from UNFPA Nigeria under the UNICEF-UNFPA Joint Programme to End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, has motivated students from eight schools in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State through the End FGM Oratory Contest held at Comprehensive Secondary School, Amakohia, Owerri, Imo State.
The contest featured participants from eight secondary schools, who showcased their oratory skills, composure, argument coordination, and fluency in discussing and advocating against the pressing issue of FGM.
The students debated on the topic: “Is community-based education more effective than national legislation in ending FGM in Nigeria?” They delivered compelling arguments to demonstrate their understanding of the critical need to end FGM, particularly in rural communities, while shedding light on its harmful effects on women and girls.
Felxfame Enisire, the State Coordinator of the Young Men’s Network Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, emphasized that the contest aimed to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and empower students with public speaking skills.
He reiterated that the negative impacts of Female Genital Mutilation on women and girls cannot be overstated, calling on key stakeholders to continue intensifying efforts to eliminate the practice in Imo State.
At the conclusion of the contest, Girls’ Secondary School Akwakuma emerged as the winners, with Comprehensive Secondary School Egbu securing second place and Eziama Community Secondary School coming in third.
The event concluded on a high note as the students pledged their support to join the movement to end FGM in their communities, vowing to raise awareness about the dangers of the practice among their peers and families.
