Towards the abandonment of female genital cutting in communities in Abia State: initiatives in Nigeria

Ezinne Enwereji, Abia State University

The aims of this paper include: to find out the extent to which individuals are disposed to support abandonment of female genital mutilation or genital cutting (FGM or FGC ) despite its attendant risks. Also to note the extent to which individuals are aware of the medical and social effects of FGM. The question is, how can planned and coordinated activities to discourage FGM practice in rural areas be carried out so as to prevent its negative outcomes like violence, quarrelling and others? A round table discussion with 24 respondents was conducted. Discussions centered on reasons for performing FGM, its benefits, risk factors, strategies to encourage its abandonment and others. At the end of the discussion, community mobilization and sensitization on the risks of FGM were initiated. Data were analysed qualitatively. Awareness of at least two effects of FGM were emphasized. Only a few individuals could hardly mention up to two effects of FGM on females, showing poor knowledge of effects of FGM. Study noted that a good number of women, especially those with lower education (primary 6 to secondary school attempted) and no formal education are still practicing FGC. Those who had good knowledge of harmful effects of FGM lacked the courage to support its discouragement for fear of being accused of encouraging adolescents’ promiscuous sex life. Generally, there was strong belief especially among men that FGM should not be discontinued for the simple reason that its practice helps to curb excessive sexual drive among females. Moreover, FGM was considered as a cultural practice that attracts some resources to those who conduct it and such constituted an alibi for its continued practice. Findings reveal poor knowledge of health and social effects of FGM, and therefore, periodic training to establish peer-to-peer education for women is recommended.