Bose Akinkuade (not real name) was 12 when she had her genitals mutilated. Early one morning in her home, while her parents were at work, leaving her under the care of her grandmother, her guardian seized the moment to cut her genitals in a bid to keep her ‘pure’. Bose bled profusely and experienced agonising pain. The trauma she endured then continues to cause her pain 22 years later.
Bose is only one of the 200 million girls and women alive today, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund(UNICEF) reports say have undergone female genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation (FGM) as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are all procedures which involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia and/or injury to the female genital organs, whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons.
FGM generally involves the removal of the labia but can also include sewing up the vaginal opening and cutting or removing the clitoris. Most times it is being carried out by traditional circumcisers, midwives, some medical doctors and nurses and grandparents. The effects of FGM on the girl child are both physical and psychological. Victims could experience severe pains, excessive bleeding (which could lead to death), shock, infections, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if unsterilised objects are used, urination problems, complications during childbirth and psychological consequences such as trauma.
Furthermore, girls usually undergo the practice without their consent, depriving them of the opportunity to make independent or informed decisions about their bodies. Although, the origin of the act cannot be ascertained, some claim that FGM in some communities, is part of the initiation ceremony of young girls into womanhood, to ensure virginity and curb promiscuity, or to protect female modesty and chastity.
In fact, in some cultures, failure to adhere to the practice may lead to ostracisation and deprivation of societal privileges such as marriage. It is true that tradition and culture are important aspects of any society in helping to mould the behavioural patterns of the society; some traditions and cultural beliefs and practices like FGM are harmful and must be abolished.
Female genital mutilation is rooted in gender inequalities and power imbalances between men and women – and it sustains them by limiting opportunities for girls and women to realise their rights and full potential in terms of health, education and income and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls.
The practice also violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in death.
Although FGM is also practised in other parts of the world such as England, Wales, Britain, Mali, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and many other African countries, a UNICEF report shows that globally, Nigeria has the highest number of FGM cases also known as female circumcision worldwide. Some sociocultural determinants have been identified as supporting this inhumane practice. FGM is still deeply entrenched in the Nigerian society where critical decision makers are grandmothers, mothers, women, opinion leaders, men and age groups.
To abolish FGM, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed, and they must engage whole communities and focus on human rights and gender equality.
These efforts should emphasize societal dialogue and the empowerment of communities to act collectively to end the practice. They must also address the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.
Eliminating female genital mutilation is a critical step towards realising other sustainable development goals, which focus on gender equality, good health and well-being, safe motherhood, quality education, inclusive societies and economic growth even as the United Nations (UN) hopes to eradicate the practice by 2030.
Initially, there were no specific laws to curb the practice in Nigeria, but in 2015, under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) was passed into law.
This particular legislation explicitly mentions FGM as a criminal act and also arranges provisions for the maximum protection of victims and distribution of effective remedies to them. The act states that performance of female circumcision/genital mutilation attracts a term of imprisonment not exceeding four years or a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both.
Presently in Nigeria, FGM is being tackled by WHO, United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Federation of International Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO), African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and many women organisations. Intensification of education of the general public at all levels has been done with emphasis on the dangers and undesirability of FGM.
Beyond the efforts of these organisations, there is a need for parents to stand up against such violence especially when their children are involved. They should challenge the discriminatory reasons FGM is practised and change traditions with the help of older generations. Girls should be educated on the right to decide what happens to their bodies and the risks and realities of FGM.
Finally, there is a need for enlightened people to join forces to advocate for a ban of the practice.
