Assessment Of Female Genital Mutilation In Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This assessment examines the prevalence and impact of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, Nigeria. FGM is a harmful cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The study investigates the extent of FGM prevalence among the population, the reasons behind its persistence, and the physical and psychological consequences experienced by affected women and girls. It also explores the efforts made by local organizations, government agencies, and communities to combat FGM and promote its eradication. The data collection procedure was designed through questionnaires distribution, a 50 pieces was distributed to the respondents and the 50 pieces has return intact to me which are expressing the views of different types of people experience on the study and also the result was very effective and clear. Suggestion and recommendations were made to maintain the success achieved.

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a harmful traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. This practice is prevalent in many parts of the world including Nigeria. FGM is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and religious beliefs and is often performed as a rite of passage, to maintain purity, or to control female sexuality. Despite efforts to eradicate FGM, it continues to persist, posing severe physical, psychological, and social consequences for affected women and girls. The practice of FGM is one of the most significant health and human right issues in the world (UNICEF 2005). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as 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 (World Health Organization 1998). Thorpe (2002) on his part describe Female Circumcision as excision, where part of the labia minora and the majora are stitched together and a hole left to allow the urine and menstrual blood to escape. In a similar vein, Amnesty International (1997) states that Female Circumcision is the removal of all or part if the labia minora and cutting of the majora to create raw surfaces which are then held firm by a collar over the vagina when they heal.

According to Ali (2007) FGM is seen by some people as an essential part of social cohesion and not an act of hate. It is carried out on children because their parents believe it is in their best interest, which is one of the myths of FGM. In some communities where FGM takes place, it is said to be because it is necessary for a woman’s honour and pride and uncircumcised woman will stand very little chance of getting married. FGM has also been said to be carried out to safeguard the chastity of a woman before marriage (Johnson, 2008). Some others also use it as a means of controlling and de-sexualizing women and repressing sexual desire thus reducing the chance of sexual promiscuity in marriage on the part of the woman (Johnson, 2008). There are also others who claim that FGM is performed for aesthetics and hygiene Idowu(2008). The practice is carried out as means of purification and ensuring that a woman is clean (UNICEF 2008).

In some societies, the practices is embedded in coming-of-age rituals, sometimes for entry into women’s secret society, which are considered necessary for girls to become adult and responsible members of the society (Johnson, 2008). Girls themselves may desire to undergo the procedure as a result of social pressure from peers and because of fear of stigmatization and rejection by their communities if they do not follow the tradition (Behrendt, 2005). Thus in cultures where it is widely practiced, FGM has become important part of the cultural identity of girls and women and may also impart a sense of pride, a coming of age and a feeling of community membership (UNICEF, 2005). FGM is a procedure which causes a number of health problems for woman and girls. There is a great deal of evidence indicating extremely detrimental long and short term health consequences (UNICEF 2002). Although, there are virtually no documentation on the social psychological and psycho-sexual effects of the practice, but it is clear from anecdotal evidence of women’s experiences, that FGM affects women adversely in various areas of their lives.

In Nigeria, the practice of FGM is widespread among tribes and religious groups where the milder forms are done except in south-south region where infibulations – the total closing of the vulva is done but usually after age five (Nigeria Demographic and Health survey, 2003). It is done more among the poorly educated, low socio-economic and low social-status groups (ND HS 2003). Although UNICEF (2005) gave the national prevalence of FGM of 61% among Yoruba, 45% among Ibo and 1.5% among Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, this making it a greater problem in southern Nigeria.Edo state is one of the state in southern Nigeria therefore one may assume that FGM also occurs there. Worldwide, government and non- governmental organizations frown at FGM having seen it as an infringement on the physical and psychosexual integrity of the female child. Nigeria was said to have the highest absolute number of cases of FGM in the world, accounting for about one-quarter of the estimated 115– 130 million circumcised women worldwide (UNICEF 2001). The prevalence rate of FGM was put at 41% among adult Nigerian women (Okeke 2012). Nigeria is a country in West Africa bordering the Gulf of Guinea between Benin and Cameroon. It has an area of 923,768.00 sq kilometers with a population of 140,431,790 according to the 2006 National Population census (National Bureau of Statistics 2006). The male constituted 71,345,488 while the female were 69,086,302 (National Bureau of Statistics 2006). This study was done in a tertiary hospital in Edo State, one of the 36 states of Nigeria. Edo State has a population of 2,398,957 with the female being 1,215,487and the male 69,086,302 (National Bureau of Statistics 2006). The following states in Nigeria have prohibited this act since 1999; Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ogun, Osun and Rivers. However, with increasing awareness of the complication of FGM, there is a recent ban on the practice in Nigeria as a nation in year 2015. The prevalence rate is therefore expected to progressively decline in the younger age groups. FGM practiced in Nigeria is classified into four types as follows; clitoridectomy or Type I, this involves the removal of the prepuce or the hood of the clitoris and all or part of the clitoris. Type II or “sunna” is a more severe practice that involves the removal of the clitoris along with partial or total excision of the labia minora. Type III (infibulation), involves the removal of the clitoris, the labia minora and adjacent medial part of the labia majora and the stitching of the vaginal orifice, leaving an opening of the size of a pin head to allow for menstrual flow or urine. Type IV or other unclassified types include introcision and gishiri cuts, hymenectomy, scraping and/or cutting of the vagina, the introduction of corrosive substances and herbs in the vagina, and other forms. Consequences of female genital mutilation include increased risks of urinary tract infections, bleeding, bacterial vaginosis, dyspareunia, obstetric complications, psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc (Behrendt and Moritz, 2005), Abdulcadir and Dällenbach, 2013), Amin et-al.,., 2013), Andersson et-al.,., 2012), Andro et-al. Female genital mutilation is classified into four major types (WHO, 1996). The most common type of the female genital mutilation is type 2 which account for up to 80% of all cases while the most extreme form which is type 3 constitutes about 15% of the total procedures (WHO, 1996; Oduro et-al., 2006). Types 1 and 4 of FGM constitute the remaining 5%. The consequences vary according to the type of FGM and severity of the procedure (Onuh et-al., 2006; Oduro et-al., 2006). The practice of FGM has diverse repercussions on the physical, psychological, sexual and reproductive health of women, severely deteriorating their current and future quality of life (Oduro et-al., 2006; Larsen, 2002). The immediate complications include: severe pain, shock, haemorrhage, urinary complications, injury to adjacent tissue and even death (Onuh et-al., 2006; Oduro et-al., 2006; Larsen, 2002). The long term complications include: urinary incontinence, painful sexual intercourse, sexual dysfunction, fistula formation, infertility, menstrual dysfunctions, and difficulty with child birth (Akpuaka, 1998; Okonofua et-al., 2002; Oguguo and Egwuatu, 1982). The physical and psychological sequelae of female genital mutilation have been well highlighted in many literatures (Onuh et-al., 2006; Oduro et-al., 2006; Badejo, 1983; Klouman et-al., 2005; ACHPR, 2003; Ibekwe, 2004). Recently, there has been serious concern on the increased rate of transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) following this practice (WHO, 1996; Klouman et-al., 2005). The practice is also a violation of the human rights of the women and girl child. FGM categorically violates the right to health, security and physical integrity, freedom from torture and cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment and the right to life when the procedure results in death. It constitutes an extreme form of violation, intimidation and discrimination.

1.2STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is regrettably persistent in many parts of the world. This occurs commonly in developing countries where it is firmly anchored on culture and tradition, not minding many decades of campaign and legislation against the practice (Onuh et-al., 2006; WHO, 2008). Female genital mutilation comprises any procedure involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reason (WHO, 2008; WHO, 1996). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 100 and 140 million girls and women worldwide are presently living with female genital mutilation and every year about three million girls are at risk (WHO, 2008). It is in view of this that the researcher intends to assess the effect of female genital mutilation.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Abeokuta and explore the attitudes and perceptions of the community towards this practice. Specifically, the study aims to:

• Determine the prevalence rate of female genital mutilation among girls and women in Abeokuta.
• Examine the socio-cultural factors that contribute to the practice of FGM in Abeokuta.
• Investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of community members towards FGM.
• Identify the existing legal and policy frameworks related to FGM in Abeokuta.
  • RESEARCH QUESTIONS

To guide the study, the following research questions will be addressed:

 

• What is the prevalence rate of female genital mutilation among girls and women in Abeokuta?
• What socio-cultural factors contribute to the practice of FGM in Abeokuta?
• What are the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of community members towards FGM?
• What legal and policy frameworks exist related to FGM in Abeokuta?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

To aid the completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher

• H0: Female genital mutilation does not have any effect on the sexual habit of the girl child
• H1: Female genital mutilation does have a significant effect on the sexual habit of the girl child
• H0: Government does not play any significant role in prohibiting female genital mutilation
• H2: Government does play a significant role in prohibiting female genital mutilation

 

 

1.6SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will provide updated information on the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Abeokuta, which can help policymakers and stakeholders develop targeted interventions to address the issue effectively.

Secondly, by exploring the socio-cultural factors and community attitudes towards FGM, the study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and motivations behind the practice.

Furthermore, the findings will inform advocacy efforts and program development to promote the abandonment of FGM in Abeokuta.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This research will focus specifically on the prevalence, attitudes, and perceptions of female genital mutilation in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The study will involve collecting data from girls and women who have undergone FGM, as well as community members who may hold varied perspectives on the practice.

1. AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.
2. TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. FINANCE: The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher has other academic bills to cover

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.8.1 FEMALE

Female is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, that produces non-mobile ova (egg cells). Barring rare medical conditions, most female mammals, including female humans, have two X chromosomes.

1.8.2FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is common

1.8.3 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Within the framework of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safer sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. One interpretation of this implies that men and women ought to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of birth control; also access to appropriate health care services of sexual, reproductive medicine and implementation of health education programs to stress the importance of women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth could provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.

1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (background of the study), statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope of the study etc. Chapter two being the review of the related literature presents the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the subject matter. Chapter three is a research methodology covers deals on the research design and methods adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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