The Federal Government, Saturday, vowed to end “breast ironing ” and other harmful traditional practices affecting girl-child in the FCT.
Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs made this known during an advocacy visit to the Garki Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Ohaeri Joseph on Saturday in Abuja.
The Minister, expressed concern over the ancient traditional practice in Kpaduma and Pygba communities which falls among Gender- Based Violence (GBV)
While reiterating her commitment to scale up plans to eradicate the practice, the minister urged traditional leaders in the FCT to partner with the government to end the scourge.
“The visit was to further sensitise the community on the consequences of breast ironing, which is being practised on some young girls as traditional rites meant to prevent early male attraction to them.
“These practices are totally unacceptable and form part of condemnable and harmful practices against the female gender which must be stamped out.
“Any parent who is found wanting will have to face the mobile court for appropriate sanctions because every child is a government’s child,” she added.
She therefore urged the council to take the campaign against the practice, adding that the ministry had worked out modalities to integrate communities into its sustainable empowerment programs in 2024.
Responding, Emmanuel Gade, the District Head of Garki Chiefdom Council, assured that the Council will support the efforts of government towards bringing an end to the tradition and other forms of harmful practices against the female gender.
He also appreciated the Minister and promised that the Council will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Women Affairs to further underscore their readiness to stamp out the age-long harmful practice against the girl child.
He further pledged the commitment of the Council to the programs and initiatives of the Ministry in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.
High point of the visit was the presentation of gifts to the communities by the Minister and conferment of Sarauniyan Mata of Pygba (Queen of Pygba women) Community on the Minister.