28 years old lady, Tobi Victoria Adesipo has reportedly faced harassment over her resistance to Female Mutilation Genitals, (FGM).
FGM has been condemned globally noting its health implication.
But Adesipo has suffered series of harassments and assault in her village from family members and community over her resistance to female circumcision.
It was added that her struggle for freedom and dignity in the community has turned into a daily battle from those who seen her refuser disrespectful .
Female circumcision also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is a controversial and deeply ingrained practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.
The international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) have strongly condemned the practice due to its detrimental physical, emotional, and psychological effects, it remains prevalent in certain parts of the world such as Nigeria.
Tobi in her account, said the ordeal began when the elders of her family called her father that she’s of age to be circumcised, not considering the physical and mental toll it would have on her as a young girl.
The practice is so deeply entrenched in the local traditions that their refusal were seen as an affront to the elders and community leaders who have long defended its existence as a rite of passage.
Members of her family have been subjected to intimidation, as some in the village view Tobi’s stance as a betrayal of their culture and heritage likewise friends have turned away, fearful of being associated with someone who challenged the community’s traditions.
“I have lost so many people I loved, people who were close to me. My body is my own, and I will endure this suffering of castigation till the end.” she said .
Her refusal, however, has made her a target of increasing violence. People have gone so far as to physically assault her when she is seen publicly, accusing her of bringing shame to the community. On one occasion, a group of men attacked her as she was walking by her house along the street, only to be stopped by a woman who risked her life to intervene.
In response to the growing violence and threats against her, Tobi has tried seeking refuge in a nearby city, which has been to no avail, she has not found solace in any community whatsoever, and the people after her always finds her whereabouts and have access to it. She feels the constant weight of the judgment of members of her community
Tobi and her family are calling for stronger laws to protect young girls from FGM and to hold perpetrators accountable because non has been arrested, and the perpetrators are still walking free in the society.
Tobi’s story is a poignant reminder that the fight against female circumcision is not just about the physical harm it causes, but also about the damaging young women and the denial of their basic human rights.
