The Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF), a leading advocate for children’s rights and female reproductive health, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic death of Emeterhire, a young woman from Ogwashi-Uku, in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly forced to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following childbirth complications.
Emeterhire, who had previously escaped her community to avoid the harmful practice, returned to her village under familial pressure only to be subjected to FGM against her will. She tragically succumbed to the combined trauma of childbirth and the mutilation, leaving behind a newborn child.
A Heartbreaking Ordeal: The Tragic Loss of Emeterhire, who had built a peaceful life in Asaba, was coerced back to her village in Aniocha South Local Government Area by her mother, who feared cultural repercussions and believed her grandchild would be cursed without traditional blessings. Upon her return, Emeterhire, weakened after giving birth, was forced to undergo the painful FGM ritual. The procedure, conducted by village elders without her consent, led to her death by dawn, igniting public outrage across the nation.
An Urgent Call to End FGM Pamela Iweze, founder of the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation and a staunch advocate for child rights, has condemned this barbaric act, noting that Emeterhire’s death is a devastating reminder of the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. “It is inconceivable that in this day and age, young women are still subjected to this deadly practice under the guise of culture. The community of Ogwashi-Uku must not allow the lives of women to be dictated by archaic and harmful traditions,” Iweze remarked.
The foundation is mobilizing efforts to work with local authorities, advocacy groups, and national health services to end FGM in Delta State, starting with immediate outreach programs, support for survivors and at-risk women and girls and educational campaigns aimed at educating women, girls, and community elders on the dangers of FGM.
Key Facts and Details:
- Victim: Emeterhire, a young woman from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, died following complications from childbirth and a forced FGM procedure.
- Cultural Context: FGM is upheld as a “sacred rite of passage” in certain communities, believed to purify women and prepare them for marriage.
- Family Tragedy: Emeterhire’s mother, Erhuvwun, who herself underwent FGM as a young woman, has vowed to fight against the practice to protect her granddaughter and other girls in the community.
- Public Outcry: Human rights activists have condemned the continued practice of FGM and are calling for justice and protection for women and girls in Ogwashi-Uku.
