Currently, we live in the 21st century where the world has evolved and is still evolving. It is disheartening to know that an estimated 200 million women and girls around the world have undergone female genital mutilation, with 80% of the cases in Africa alone. These statistics shows that there are still primitive people living in the stone age especially in Africa, if not this practice would have long been jettisoned. The United Nations recently marked International day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation on February 6.
Majority of the girls who have undergone this practice are below 15 years of age. The surprising thing about female genital mutilation is that it is more common among elites. Female genital mutilation has caused more harm than good to these ladies who have gone through it. The most painful thing about female genital mutilation is that it is irreversible which also causes health issues coupled with a series of complications. Girls who have gone through it often experience urinary retention, pelvic infection, pain during intercourse, epidermoid cysts, etc. It has zero health benefits.
The United Nations children’s fund, Unicef stated that Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone genital mutilation. The United Nations strive for its full eradication by 2030, with the backing of sustainable development goals. While in power, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a decree to illegalize female genital mutilation in 2015, but it was poorly enforced. It is believed that there will be a population explosion in 2030 in the number of those affected by FGM in Nigeria.
It’s obvious a lot of people, agencies and governmental bodies are treating the issue of female genital mutilation with levity, which is the reason for the rise In FGM cases. This indeed is a wake-up call for everyone in the country, from top government officials, schools, communities, NGOs to all join hands on deck, to ensure that this menace is eradicated. Although some NGOs have helped in sensitizing and creating awareness on the dangers involved in female genital mutilation.
The process of social change in the community with a collective coordinated agreement to abandon the practice of “community-led action” is therefore essential. With improvements in education, social status of women, and increased awareness of the dangers of female genital mutilation. There should also be constant use of mainstream media to create awareness of the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. Billboards mounted on various strategic positions talking about the dangers of FGM would play a very important role in curbing it. The more educated, more informed, and more active a woman is, the more she can appreciate and understand this harmful practice of Female genital Mutilation.
One of the reasons why there is a rise in the cases of female genital mutilation is that there is no federal law prohibiting the practice in the country. This is one of the main reasons for the slow progress in declining the prevalence of female genital mutilation. I believe once laws are established by the government, stating that people who carry out such acts would be penalized, female genital mutilation will be reduced. At the grassroots, campaigns should be held regularly to enlighten the people on its dangers. There is a strong need to ensure that this practice is eliminated because it has exposed a lot of women and girls to so many health challenges. This can only be achieved with an approach where legislation, health care professional organizations, empowerments of women in the society, and education of the general public at all levels with an emphasis on the dangers of female genital mutilation are taken seriously.
