KADUNA — In a strategic move to dismantle harmful traditional practices, the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI) hosted a community dialogue on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, focused on the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage.
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The event, held in Kaduna State, brought together a powerful assembly of religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators to confront the root causes of these practices within local communities.
The dialogue was designed as a safe space for stakeholders to speak candidly about why these practices persist despite legal and health warnings. Rachel Sankiya Daniel, a Public Health Nurse with the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Center, emphasized that the goal of the session was to listen to those at the heart of the community.
“The aim of this dialogue is to hear directly from the key stakeholders why FGM and child marriage occur and, more importantly, to collaborate on how to curb them,” Daniel stated.
The medical expert highlighted that understanding the “why” behind the traditions is the first step toward creating a sustainable solution that protects the health and dignity of young girls.
The session resonated deeply with local educators who often witness the fallout of these practices in the classroom. One participant, a teacher within the community, expressed profound relief that these “taboo” subjects were finally being discussed openly.
“I am so joyful that these conversations are happening,” the teacher noted, confirming that cases of early marriage and FGM are real issues currently affecting students in the area. Her testimony underscored the urgency of the intervention, bridging the gap between advocacy and the daily reality of the girl-child.
On her part, the Secondary Focal Person for EWEI shared her high expectations for the project’s impact. She noted that the dialogue is a cornerstone of the EmpowerHer Project, aimed at transforming community leaders into active “protection agents” who will lead the charge in ending gender-based violence and forced unions.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from the leaders present to take the message of the “Right to be a Girl” back to their congregations, schools, and homes.
