Reps condemn female genital mutilation

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, condemned all forms of discrimination based on gender and female genital mutilation as Nigeria joins the world to celebrate the International Day for Women.

This resolution was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia-PDP).

Onyejeocha, while moving the motion, called for the urgent need to promote gender parity especially in the work place and also called for a stand against violence and abuse of women and the girl child.

She said that March 8 every year is set aside to mark the International Day for Women, to recognise their rights, injustices inflicted on the womenfolk and the unique challenges that women face globally.

The lawmaker, who is the chairman, House Committee on Aviation, said that the theme of this year’s event was to promote gender parity so as to ensure that women were given the same opportunity and motivation in the work place.

She, however, expressed concern that there was still a high level of physical and sexual violence against women and girls, adding that it was alarming that forced marriages and female genital mutilation were still being practiced in the country.