25 Years + of Confronting FGM

In early 2023, my daughter and I visited the United Nations to see the powerful art exhibition on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This exhibition is deeply personal to me, as I created it in 1998 in collaboration with fellow members of our organization and talented artists who brought the vision to life. Titled "Female Genital Mutilation: The Suffering. The Sorrow. The Setback," the exhibition uses art as a compelling tool to expose the pain and devastation caused by this harmful practice.

Here is clip of the exhibition that deeply resonated with me as it features poignant images from the exhibits. These photos tell heart-wrenching stories of pain, survival, and resilience, laying bare the human cost of FGM. The powerful imagery serve as a call to action, urging global audiences to advocate for the eradication of this practice and the protection of its victims.

The journey of this exhibition began in Nigeria in 1998, where it opened to critical acclaim. Later that same year, it traveled to the University of Indiana Purdue University (IUPUI) for the Women’s Health Conference. At the Conference, Folake Otolurin, one of WICSA board members, and I gave gave a lecture to accompany the exhibits.  In 2000, it reached the British Parliament, where Ifeanyi Maha, another Board member and I, addressed lawmakers, imploring them to support women and girls fleeing FGM in their home countries. This pivotal moment contributed to legislative changes that provided crucial protections for survivors.

The exhibition continued its global advocacy, visiting the European Union Parliament in 2001 and various parliaments and organizations in subsequent years. From 2006 onwards, it made stops at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Cornell University, and Bridgeview University, among others. I also gave lectures at these prestigious institutions.

Even today, the exhibition remains a vital tool in influencing policy and raising awareness. It continues to tour the world, driving impactful changes in laws that safeguard victims and helping to dismantle this harmful practice, one community at a time. 

I must also commend Dr. Tobe Levin, partner in this fight, for her tireless efforts in helping to organize these exhibitions and for being a steadfast advocate in the campaign to end FGM. Her unwavering dedication has made a lasting impact in the global fight against this violation of human rights.