FGM is said to be done to control women’s sexuality, which is sometimes said to be insatiable if parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are left in place. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examines in this report that the practice has no health benefits, violates women’s rights, and may pose other health risks in contrast to the belief that it increases male sexual pleasure and ensures virginity before and after marriage.
Despite the fact that the country’s laws state that anyone who encourages, supports or advises another person to perform FGM or engages another person to perform FGM is subject to a fine of up to 100,000 Naira (US$277.3010) or both on conviction. However, examination reveals that this practice, which has been condemned as harmful, may be widespread lately in some Nigerian locations.
Uzodimma Lucy Ogodo is the Executive Director of Tomorrow, a Girl Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. She expressed regret in a public presentation with UNICEF that FGM has been regarded as a culture that has transcended generations in her region, given that her mother, grandmother, and she were all cut. She believes that this error must be corrected.
The 26-year-old woman stated, “I am a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM). In my neighborhood, Abakaliki, FGM is common. Young girls and women are brainwashed into accepting it as our culture.
“It was first shown to me when I was in sixth grade. I asked my mother for more information. I inquired as to whether I had been cut because I am unable to recall the extent of the pain, the effects on my health, the psychological impact of knowing that an essential part of me had been brutally chopped off, or any other negative effects.”
According to the source, her mother surprised her by stating that she was cut out of ignorance when she inquired further. Her mother and father came to the conclusion that Uzodinmma should not be cut off on their own. Her siblings were not cut because “no girl or woman deserves to be cut. It simply destroys our spirit,” she cries.
As a direct consequence of this, she established the Tomorrow is Girl Initiative, a charitable organization, with the intention of advocating for the abolition of FGM. She became emotionally invested in the cause as she sought a deeper understanding. As a child, the idea that no woman deserves to be cut despite the risks deeply disturbed her. Experts say that during the FGM procedure, injuries to the urethra and vulval tissues can cause immediate damage to the lower urinary tract. Additionally, Type 3 FGM results in the sealing of the vaginal introitus, which blocks the flow of urine and can cause short- and long-term urinary symptoms.
Regrettably, millions of girls and women around the world are at risk of having FGM every year, despite its negative effects on health. Nigeria has 15% of the world’s population, according to data. Also known as female circumcision, female genital mutilation (FGM) is any procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. This practice has no health benefits. With 19.9 million women, Nigeria has the third-highest number of female victims of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the world, according to UNICEF (UNICEF, 2022).
This culture, which many educated women claim is actually harmful to their health, is invariably practiced in Nigeria. They say it is a harmful practice that specifically alters or damages the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. The health, social, economic, emotional, and sexual complications of female genital mutilation (FGM) are well documented, and the practices that support it vary from culture to culture. However, the procedure is typically carried out at a young age or later. Many women in Somalia undergo infibulation, the most extreme form of female genital mutilation, according to reports.
There are four main types of FGM: type 1: removal of the clitoris or clitoral hood in part or completely. type 2: clitoris and labia minor, either partially or completely removed. type 3: closing off of the vaginal space. type 4: all other non-medical procedures that harm the female genitalia.
In a similar manner to Uzodimma, Mrs. Josephine Ezaka, 51, of Amudo in the Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi State, stated that she was aware of female genital mutilation as a child. “My grandmother took me to where I had been chopped off. It was very painful. Following the cutting, they wash the cut area with hot water. It hurts a lot, as you can probably imagine.
“At the time, I was probably six. The effects of the FGM went unnoticed to me,” she explained to UNICEF.
The Yoruba, Ibo, Ijaw, Hausa, and Kanuri are among the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria said to engage in some form of female genital mutilation (FGM). According to data, the Fulanis don’t do any kind of that. Yobe has a 0%-1% rate of practice, Benue has a 90%-100% rate, and Ondo has a 90%-98% rate. Despite the fact that other women used to tell Josephine that it was so sweet, Josephine stated that she has realized that she does not have the libido for her husband since she got married.
Josephine said, “My significant other has even complained to specific individuals.” On the other hand, experts held the opinion that some circumcised women report having sexual relations that are satisfying, such as sexual desire, pleasure, and orgasm. Although orgasms are less likely after female genital mutilation, it does not completely eliminate sexual pleasure for every woman who undergoes the procedure.
The indication was that the practice differs across Nigeria. State prevalence varies from less than 1% in Adamawa and Gombe to 62% in Imo. FGM is most common in the South East (35 percent) and South West (30 percent), but it is least common in the North East (6 percent), said the data. Nonetheless, FGM is a harmful practice that specifically alters or damages the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. The health, social, economic, emotional, and sexual complications of female genital mutilation (FGM) are well documented, and the practices that support it vary from culture to culture.
Who is the FGM founder? Scholars have suggested Ancient Egypt and Sudan as the origins of FGM, though no precise location has been identified. Others assert that it originated in Ancient Rome, claiming that female slaves were subjected to FGM to prevent pregnancy and sexual activity.
Whichever, a girl’s difficulty or discomfort walking, standing, or sitting down are signs that FGM may have occurred; complaints of discomfort in the legs; spending more time than usual in the bathroom or toilet because she has trouble urinating; a quiet, anxious, or depressed appearance.
This can be done shortly after birth, during childhood or adolescence, prior to marriage, or during a woman’s first pregnancy, depending on the circumstances. It is thought that FGM can lead to complications during childbirth that put a person’s life in danger.
Scar tissue may not stretch enough to accommodate a newborn, making delivery even more painful than usual and increasing the likelihood that the woman will require an emergency Caesarean section or other procedures. The practice has the potential to cause abnormal scarring, infections, and pain. Death. Infections like tetanus and hemorrhage that can cause shock can both result in death. Issues with mental health.
However, experts in a nation like the United Kingdom have stated that FGM is illegal and has been a crime since 1985. It is a serious offense that carries a 14-year prison sentence. Making arrangements for FGM to take place within the UK or bringing a child outside of the UK for the purpose of FGM is a crime.
The practice causes severe bleeding, difficulty urinating, cysts, infections, complications during childbirth, and an increased risk of newborn deaths, all of which have no positive effects on women’s health. Internationally, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is recognized as a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights that must be stopped.
Odimegwu Onwumere is Chairman, Advocacy Network On Religious And Cultural Coexistence (ANORACC)
