Female genital mutilation in Nigeria

Female genital cutting (also known as female genital mutilation) in Nigeria accounts for the most female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) cases worldwide.[1] The practice is considered harmful to girls and women and a violation of human rights.[2] FGM causes infertility, maternal death, infections, and the loss of sexual pleasure.[3]

Nationally, 27% of Nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 49 were victims of FGM, as of 2012.[4] In the last 30 years, prevalence of the practice has decreased by half in some parts of Nigeria.[2]

In May 2015, then President Goodluck Jonathan signed a federal law banning FGM.[5] Opponents of the practice cite this move as an important step forward in Africa, as Nigeria is the most populous country and has set an important precedent.[3] Though the practice has declined, activists and scholars say a cultural shift is necessary to abolish the practice, as the new law will not singularly change the wider violence against women in Nigeria.[5]

Cultural perception

Data shows that the majority of people believe female genital cutting should end, but they cite social pressures to continue the practice with their daughters.[2] Of women aged 15 to 49 polled between 2004–2015, 64% want to end the practice.[6]

Influence on other African nations

Human rights activists believe the 2015 federal ban in Nigeria will influence other African countries—a region in which the practice is highly prevalent—because of Nigeria's economic and political stronghold within the continent.[3]

Types practiced

Nigerians practice the following forms of female genital cutting/mutilation:[1]

  • Type I, clitoridectomy: Removing the clitoral hood and at least part of the clitoris
  • Type II, sunna: Removing the full clitoris and part of the labia minora
  • Type III, infibulation: Removing the clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora. This also involves stitching the vaginal opening with a minuscule hole for urination and menstrual bleeding.
  • Type IV: Other unclassified forms of FGM may involve pricking, stretching, cauterization, or inserting herbs into the vagina.[1]

Clitoridectomies are more common in the south of the country, and the more extreme methods, like infibulation, are prevalent in the north.[1]

Activism

Organizations seeking to end FGC/M in Nigeria include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, African Union, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the Population Council.[1][2] as well as Justice,Development and Peace Movement (JDPM) of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo

The Circumcision Descendants Association of Nigeria (CDAN)—a group whose members perform FGM in Nigeria, has advocated to end the practice by creating new government programs and economic opportunities for those who perform female genital mutilation.[7]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Okeke, TC; Anyaehie, USB; Ezenyeaku, CCK (2012-01-01). "An overview of female genital mutilation in Nigeria". Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research. 2 (1). doi:10.4103/2141-9248.96942. PMC 3507121. PMID 23209995.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Muteshi, Jacinta K.; Miller, Suellen; Belizán, José M. (2016-01-01). "The ongoing violence against women: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting". Reproductive Health. 13: 44. doi:10.1186/s12978-016-0159-3. ISSN 1742-4755. PMC 4835878. PMID 27091122.
  3. 1 2 3 Topping, Alexandra (2015-05-29). "Nigeria's female genital mutilation ban is important precedent, say campaigners". the Guardian. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
  4. ↑ "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: Updated Estimates of Women and Girls at Risk, 2012" (PDF). Public Health Reports. U.S. Government Printing Office. Mar 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Nigeria Bans Female Genital Mutilation, But Advocates Say There's Still More Work To Do". The Huffington Post. 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2016-05-28.
  6. ↑ "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A global concern" (PDF). United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF. 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  7. ↑ "How CDAN proposes to end Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria - Ventures Africa". Ventures Africa. 2016-05-25. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
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