FGM: 2 in 10 Nigerian women are circumcised

Like the onion bulb with many layers, the gender inequality story is one with many sides; prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) being a significant faction.

• Twenty percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 went through FGM;

• Nineteen per cent of Nigerian women between ages 15 and 19 bear children, while 14% are nursing mothers;

• In 2018, seven of every ten rape victims were women;

• Women constituted about 77% of all trafficked persons between 2013 and 2015; and

• Not less than 17 million Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced sexual violence.

A recent Dataphyte article described the unspoken gender bias in employment. Yet another report highlighted some foremost gender issues women face in Nigeria. Chief amongst these was trafficking. Between 2013 to 2015, trafficked victims made up 77% of women. Worse, though, the United Nations Refugee Agency notes that Nigeria failed to meet the minimum standards for eliminating the challenge. 

Other facets looked to operationalize laws against Sex and Gender Based Violence.  And while some of these issues have gained traction, one under-reported issue looms seemingly undetected; speaking to Female Genital Mutilation.  

Female Genital Mutilation

This gruesome act involves the cutting of the external female genitalia for non-therapeutic/ non-medical reasons. Instead, per the World Health Organization (WHO), it can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, and complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths. But the rationale behind this act is unthinkable! Reasons cited in literature include social acceptance, religion, hygiene, preservation of virginity, marriageability, and enhancement of male sexual pleasure.

And as for prevalence, 20% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have been circumcised. Even more troubling, 86% of the circumcision took place before the female’s fifth birthday. The rationale unbeknownst, but findings show a higher prevalence with age. Fourteen per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 19 went through the process. In contrast, statistics observe a staggering 31% rate for women aged 45 and above.   

Concerning location, the data noted female circumcision most rampant in South-Eastern Nigeria; two in five women are circumcised. Southwest follows with a rate of one in three women. Northeastern Nigeria had the least female circumcision rate, with only three in fifty women being circumcised. 

Expert weighs in

For Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) staff, Mrs Adenike Aloba, female circumcision is a clear human rights violation. The Humanitarian (an initiative of PTCIJ) Project Officer also noted how even International Humanitarian Law frowns on the act. Moreover, several experts place the violation alongside misdeeds like torture, or extreme violence. 

International Laws require domestication

Mrs Aloba also highlighted the policy implementation challenge which impairs the eradication of FGM. In 2016, the United Nations set a global goal to eliminate FGM across the world by 2030. However, countries have a responsibility to domesticate these international statutes and make laws that suit their contexts. This perhaps birthed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Nigeria.

Yet, while the VAPP Act criminalises FGM, the act has fallen into the same rut almost all policies and laws fall to in Nigeria – implementation. Worse still, only 23 out of 36 states have not domesticated the Act. Further, there is barely any roadmap for implementation, even among states that have domesticated the act. This means that although the law exists, FGM will still run rampant since there is no watchdog to enforce.

The Carrot and the stick

This approach must cut across languages and cultures with a central focus on grassroot infiltration.

Adenike proffered two solutions- diplomatic and disciplinarian approaches. According to her, Behavioural Change Communication is a powerful under-utilised weapon against FGM. It will have a multi-pronged effect. 

So, the government must create awareness and sustain it. Nigerians must know about the continued practice of this illegal act. Likewise, enlightening Nigerians on the laws that criminalizes FGM is important; i.e. the rights and responsibilities of the people as contained in the law. Mrs Aloba further stressed that this approach must cut across languages and cultures focusing centrally on grassroot infiltration. 

A second intervention is for concerned CSOs and stakeholder groups to increase intensity of advocacy for adoption and implementation of the VAPP Act. 

Most paramount of all was the inclusion of law enforcement. According to the Human rights enthusiast, they hold the onus in enforcing implementation. And thus, their comprehension of the challenge is imperative. With that in mind, the government must invest in capacity building for Nigeria’s law enforcement. And granted the state of the department, this may be an uphill task; but crucial regardless. As a result, stakeholders must ensure that advocacy for reforms in law enforcement agencies is encompassing.

Changing the Story

While the situation appears horrible, the narrative can only change when targeted and deliberate efforts are made. It requires a collaborative effort in policy and practice. Again, the government must ensure protection and equal opportunities for  women. Yes, Nigeria has lagged in its gender outlook; but now is a good time to rewrite the narrative. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.