Female genital mutilation in Nigeria

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Female genital mutilation in Nigeria accounts for the most female genital mutilation (FGM) 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 are victims of FGM.[4] In the last 30 years, prevalence of the practice has decreased by half in some parts of Nigeria.[2]

In May 2015, Former 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 mutilation 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 of FGM practiced

Nigerians practice the following forms of female genital 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 miniscule 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 up north.[1]

Activism

Organizations seeking to end FGM in Nigeria include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the Population Council.[1][2]

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]

References

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  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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