This article focuses on the overview of female genital mutilation (FGM), moving from a general to a more specific view, focusing mainly on the Nigerian society (Africa), discussing how female genital mutilation has been prevalent and what are the reasons for these “female genital mutilations” and the solutions that need to be enacted for this to be eradicated from our society.
Female genital mutilation is on the rise in many regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe and most Western nations, although it is especially prevalent in Africa. However, a new study has revealed that Nigeria (Africa) has the largest population of victims.
According to the research, most women between the ages of 27 and 35 undergo or will undergo female genital mutilation, which is considered a denial and violation of their fundamental human rights, as well as unsafe because it does not go through any medical process. Female genital mutilation is supported by some cultural beliefs and traditions, especially in Africa, and the main belief system on which it is based is that it helps the girl to be less promiscuous, thus preparing her for her future husband and the like.
In Nigeria today, some educated people still cling to those traditional and ancestral beliefs. “One of the problems we have is how to eliminate these issues.” Also known as “female circumcision” is a procedure in which the female genitalia are removed without any medical or therapeutic reason, and is usually performed in an unhygienic environment with the use of shaped objects such as razor blades, knives or glasses. etc.
The World Health Organization has divided this procedure into four types, each comprising different mutilation. If we look at M.G.F., according to a 2018 report, about 20% of women aged between 15 and 47 years are survivors of domestic violence ( M.G.F.) and according to a recent study, Nigeria accounts for about 10% of the global prevalence of these actions. This research has revealed that this act is more prevalent in southeast and southwest Nigeria, especially in Osun and Oyo states, where I also did my research.
I discovered that this social problem is more prevalent in these communities, although agencies have been established at the grassroots level, the situation is still growing. I can safely say that this is prevalent because individuals at the grassroots level are not exposed and enlightened to the dangers behind these acts. I also believe that law enforcement is weak, as I could not locate a single person who had been prosecuted or convicted while conducting my research.
Some of the solutions to this, in my opinion, are to be able to have outreach and awareness about the danger that this type of action poses and, above all, to make sure that there is education about it and sanctions if it is carried out. Some of the risks associated with F.G.M. are tetanus, and the fact of cutting a part of an organ can alter the reproductive system, causing continuous bleeding, problems with pregnancy, and even death.
In this community, where I conducted a “qualitative research”, I had the opportunity to ask and question some people about their opinion about “female genital mutilation”. Some were against it, while others saw it as acceptable because of their religious, cultural, or traditional beliefs. In conclusion, we could say that the good or the bad of this tremendous reality would seem to depend on each point of view…
Hello! If you have come this far and you like what we do in Muta, an independent media outlet made in Argentina and Uruguay, you can always support us from the financing platform: buymeacoffee. With a minimum contribution, you help us not only with current expenses but also with the joy and importance of knowing that you are on the other side. Thank you much!
By Dadzie Ebenezer
Email: dadzieebenzer@gmail.com