Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that affects women and girls all around the world, with major physical, psychological, and societal outcomes.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, refers to all procedures that involves partial or whole removal of the female external genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for non-medical purposes. FGM is an unhealthy practice inflicted on girls and women, shrouded in secrecy and controversy, as an initiation ceremony of girls into womanhood, or misguidedly to ensure modesty and chastity. FGM is considered a violation of the human rights of girls and women because it provides no medical benefits and often leads to serious health concerns including immediate complications such as bleeding, infection, pain, urogenital injuries, and death as well as long-term complications like childbirth issues, sexual dysfunction, and psychological trauma.
In 2012, the UN General Assembly issued a resolution calling on governments to raise awareness, allocate resources, and enact legislation to eradicate FGM. Nigeria passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) in 2015, which specifies that FGM is a criminal and punishable offence in Nigeria; three states in the Southwest region have adopted and implemented the Act to fight against FGM – Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo state. However, Ekiti and Lagos State have existing laws that also makes provision for the FGM issues highlighted in the VAPP Act.
Despite ongoing efforts to eliminate the practice, three states in the SW (Ekiti, Osun and Oyo) continue to have the highest prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria and according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), FGM remains a significant issue, with the prevalence among girls aged 0-14 rising from 16.9% to 19.2% in 2018, impacting the lives of millions.
Furthermore, in spite of collaborative efforts from state governments, local and international organizations to combat FGM, there are various obstacles militating against these concerted efforts. Persistent deep-rooted beliefs, societal pressures, and lack of awareness all play a role in its continuation. Also, poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare facilities further exacerbate the problem, leaving women and girls susceptible to the practice.
The process of combating the issue of female genital mutilation in Southwest region requires a multidisciplinary approach which is not limited to tackling the issue from the base but also through education, awareness, and empowerment. Community engagement and grassroots actions are critical for opposing harmful cultural norms and promoting discussion about the adverse effects of FGM. Empowering women and girls with education and economic opportunities is also crucial to changing societal attitudes and breaking down the structures that encourage FGM. By ensuring survivors have access to healthcare services and thorough support, communities can break the cycle of silence and stigma around the practice. In addition, legislation is also very important in eradicating FGM, and existing laws must be enforced more effectively to hold the perpetrators accountable and protect the rights of women and girls.
Female genital mutilation remains a major health issue impacting the lives of women and girls in Nigeria, requiring immediate attention and collective action. While progress has been made in raising awareness and advocating for change, much more work remains to be done to dismantle the cultural norms and societal structures that support this harmful practice. We can work towards a future free of Female Genital Mutilation by fostering conversations, empowering communities, and prioritizing the rights and well-being of women and girls.