Female genital mutilation in Nigeria

Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria (FGM) refers to the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This practice is deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and gender inequality, and it is prevalent in various communities across Nigeria. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and has significant health risks associated with it.

Overview

Female Genital Mutilation involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. In many settings, health care providers perform FGM due to the erroneous belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

Types of FGM

There are four major types of FGM identified by the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Type I: Often referred to as clitoridectomy, this involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.
• Type II: Also known as excision, this is the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.
• Type III: Known as infibulation, this involves the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoris.
• Type IV: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization.

Prevalence in Nigeria

Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic and religious groups, has one of the highest numbers of women and girls who have undergone FGM in the world. The practice varies significantly between different ethnic groups and regions, with some communities having prevalence rates much higher than others. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of FGM in Nigeria have involved legislation, advocacy, and community education, but the practice remains widespread due to cultural, religious, and social factors.

Health Risks

FGM has no health benefits and can cause numerous health problems, including:

• Severe pain and bleeding
• Increased risk of vaginal infections and HIV transmission
• Complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths
• Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Legal and Social Context

The Nigerian government has taken steps to outlaw FGM, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015, which prohibits female circumcision or genital mutilation. However, enforcement of this law is challenging, and FGM continues to be practiced in many parts of the country, often in secrecy.

International and Local Efforts

Various international and local organizations are working to eradicate FGM in Nigeria. These efforts include education and advocacy campaigns aimed at changing societal norms and values that perpetuate FGM. Empowering women and girls, engaging community leaders, and providing support for survivors of FGM are crucial components of these initiatives.

Conclusion

Female Genital Mutilation is a deeply entrenched practice in Nigeria, with significant health risks and human rights implications for women and girls. While there have been efforts to combat the practice, much work remains to be done to eliminate FGM entirely. It requires a concerted effort from the government, NGOs, communities, and individuals to change the cultural norms that sustain FGM and to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls in Nigeria.