Female Genital Mutilation: What You Need To Know As A Nigerian

WHAT IS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)?

FGM according to world health organization (WHO), it includes all procedurl or total removal of external female genitalia for cultural and or non-medical reasons

WHAT IS FGM CALLED IN OUR LOCAL LANGUAGES?

In Yoruba, it is called ‘DI dabe fun omo’binrin’. In Igbo, it is called Ibi Nwanyi Ugwu while in Hausa, its called Kaciyan mata.

WHO PERFORMS FGM ON WOMEN AND GIRLS?

FGM is carried out by traditional circumcisers, traditional birth attenddants (TBAs) and health workers such as Midwives and community health extension workers (CHEWs)

HOW EXACTLY IS FGM DONE?

The procedure is done using tools like knives or scissors made by local blacksmiths. Some use razors or other sharp objects. The girl is held down by the circumcisr,sometimes with assistance, and the act is done. Sedatives and disinfectants are not usually used. In some places, traditional medicine like herbs or fluid from snail is applied to aid healing of wound.

TYPE OF FGM BEING PERFORMED

TYPE I: called clitoridectomy involves the removal of prepuce, with or without cutting all or part of the clitor1s.

TYPE II: Is called excision. Here, the clitor1s is removed and there is total or partial removal of the inner lips (labia minora) of the vag1na.

TYPE III: This is most dangerous type of FGM and known as infibulation. It involves the removal of the part or all of the external genitalia and the vag1na opening is stitched after narrowing it allowing for small space where urine and menstruation can pass through. Later, surgeries are down on the woman before s*xua1 intercourse and child birth to open and close vag1na.

TYPE IV: Is unclassified type. It includes piercing, scrapping, pricking or making of incision on clitor1s and/or the vag1na lips.

ARE CIRCUMCISERS PAID?

YES, either in gift or cash, when it is cash, the procedure can cost about #500 above.

AT WHAT AGE IS FGM PERFORMED ON GIRL OR WOMAN?

It varies in different tribes and communities, in some places, girls are circumcised on the 8th day or before age 5 while others perform it before they reach adolescence.

EFFECT OF FGM ON GIRLS AND WOMEN

(1). Uncontrollable bleeding which can cause infections and lead to severe pain, or even death.

(2). Infection: such as tetanus infection, hepatitis B and even HIV/AIDS from usage of unsterilized blades or objects.

(3). Victims may also experience intense shock when the act is being performed causing immediate and long-term psychological effect.

(4). Urine retention: women who are victims of type III FGM may experience difficulty in urinating leading to urine retention and causing urinary tract infections.

(5). menstrual pain: victims of type III FGM may experience difficulty whenever they are menstruating.

(6). Difficulty during childbirth, obstructed labour, artificially tightened vag1na can leads to caesarean section.

(7). Infertility and some women have developed keloids because of FGM

(8. Lack of s*xua1 pleasure: the damage to female genitalia can make s*x painful and unappealing to women

NIGERIAN STATE THAT FGM IS MOSTLY PERFORM

• FGM is more prevalent in the southern zones than in the northern zones. States with the highest prevalence Osun (77%), Ebonyi (74%) , Ekiti (72%), Imo (68%) and Oyo (66%)

• FGM is most prevalent among Yoruba women (55%), followed by Igbo women (45%).

Infibulation (TYPE III) is more prevalent in Nasarawa (22%), Kaduna (21%), and Bayelsa (20%) than in any other states

WHY MUST FGM END?

Since FGM has no verifiable health benefit, ending it will help stop a form of gender based violence against future generation of girls and women. The practice violates the rights of women and girls to: Physical and mental integrity, freedom from violence, freedom from discrimination on basis of s*x, freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatments and right to life.

ARE THERE LAWS AGAINST FGM IN NIGERIA?

YES; the federal legislation that exists is VAPP ACT (Violence Against Persons Prohibition) which was signed into law in May 2015. Amongst other forms of violence against women, VAPP Act recommends 5 years imprisonment term and/or #100,000 fines for anyone who carries out the procedure or anyone who engages someone to carry it out.

Culled from a handbook of FAQ for young people.

Good article....