The shy discussion of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria

A topic many shy away from even when some are victims: Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a form of violence against women and girls that violates their human rights and has serious physical and psychological consequences. FGM is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that is prevalent in many countries around the world, including Nigeria.

FGM is performed on girls between the ages of infancy and 15 years old, but it can also be performed on adult women. It is often carried out by traditional practitioners using unsterilized instruments, such as razor blades or knives, and without anaesthesia. The procedure can lead to severe bleeding, infection, and even death. In addition, FGM can cause long-term physical and psychological problems, including chronic pain, difficulty with urination and menstrual cycles, and sexual dysfunction. It can also have negative impacts on childbirth and breastfeeding.

FGM is often justified by cultural and unconfirmed religious beliefs, although it is not supported by any major religion. In Nigeria, FGM is primarily practised by certain ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Fulani, and Kanuri, and still prevalent in several states, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo. It is estimated that about one-third of Nigerian women and girls have undergone FGM. The practice is more common in rural areas than in urban areas and is often carried out by traditional practitioners, such as traditional birth attendants or circumcisers. It is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood and a way to preserve a girl's virginity and prevent promiscuity. However, these justifications are not based on any scientific evidence and are used to perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls.

Efforts to eliminate FGM in Nigeria have been ongoing for many years. The Federal Government of Nigeria has enacted legislation to prohibit FGM and provide protection for victims, including the Violence Against Women (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Child's Rights Act 2003. In addition, the National Action Plan on FGM has been developed to provide a framework for the elimination of FGM in Nigeria.

Despite these efforts, FGM remains a widespread practice in Nigeria. One of the major challenges in addressing FGM in the country is the lack of enforcement of laws and policies. In addition, there is a lack of awareness about the negative consequences of FGM among both practitioners and the general population. Many people do not understand the serious health risks associated with FGM and continue to support the practice.

To effectively eliminate FGM in Nigeria, it is important to adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the demand for and the supply of the practice. This includes educating the public about the negative consequences of FGM and promoting alternative rites of passage for girls. It is also important to provide support for victims of FGM and to enforce laws and policies that prohibit the practice.

Do survivors even talk about it and why not?

There are several reasons why people may be shy to talk about their experience with female genital mutilation (FGM). Some of the possible reasons include:

1. Stigma: FGM is often considered taboo in the communities where it is practiced. As a result, those who have undergone the procedure may feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss it openly.
2. Fear of retribution: In some cases, people who speak out about their experience with FGM may fear retribution or punishment from their community or family. This could be particularly true in cases where FGM is considered a cultural or religious requirement.
3. Lack of awareness: Some people who have undergone FGM may not be fully aware of the negative consequences of the procedure or may not realize that it is a human rights violation. As a result, they may not see the need to speak out about it.
4. Lack of support: People who have undergone FGM may not feel comfortable speaking out about their experience if they do not have a supportive network of friends, family, or community members.

Overall, it is important to create an environment where people feel safe and supported to speak out about their experience with FGM. This can help to raise awareness about the negative consequences of the practice and to encourage people to seek help and support if they have undergone FGM.

In conclusion, FGM is a harmful traditional practice that violates the human rights of women and girls and has serious physical and psychological consequences. Despite efforts to eliminate FGM in Nigeria, the practice remains widespread due to a lack of enforcement and awareness about its negative impacts. It is important to adopt a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the demand for and the supply of FGM in order to effectively eliminate this harmful practice in Nigeria.