Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs says it has signed an agreement with the leadership of Pigba community in the Federal Capital Territory to end the harmful practice of breast ironing which has negative effects on the welfare of girl children.
Breast ironing is a dangerous practice that involves pounding, pressing, ironing, rubbing, or massaging a young girl’s breasts to make them less attractive to men. This practice often uses hard or heated objects and can cause serious physical and emotional harm.
Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs who disclosed this on Saturday during her visit to the community also presented 60 sewing and 50 grinding machines as part of empowerment to the women.
Ohanenye emphasised that the ministry’s efforts to eradicate harmful practices like breast ironing align with the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian women and girl children.
She further explained, “We are inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy thrust, which aims to empower women and ensure the welfare of the girl child. It is unacceptable to subject our girls to this barbaric practice, and President Tinubu strongly disapproves of it.
“The Pigba community will serve as a pilot scheme for addressing other harmful practices prevalent in the Federal Capital Territory, such as the burying of newborn babies with their deceased mothers. The Women Affairs Ministry is committed to combating these negative norms.”
The District Head, Chief Emmanuel Gade, thanked the Minister for fulfilling her promise and providing the grinding and sewing machines.
He also commended the community for its resolution to end breast ironing and other harmful practices that hinder gender equality.
Chief Gade called on the Federal Government to provide basic amenities like health centers, boreholes, access roads, and other infrastructure for the community’s development.
