Accelerating Investments To End FGM

Female Genital Mutilation or cutting is a practice that has been on for years in Nigeria and some counties of the world.

It is a partial or total removal of female genitalia for cultural or non-medical reasons.

Though some refer to it as female circumcision, experts say this is not similar in any way but rather mutilation that leaves the girl in pain and permanent scarring.

Many reasons have been given to support the cultural importance Of FGM.

One is that a girl circumcised will not be promiscuous but this has been proven to be wrong.

Secondly, it is believed that if an uncircumcised woman gives birth to a baby and the clitoris touches the head of the baby, the baby will either die or become an imbecile.

This also is not true.

Another reason for engaging in the practice is to ensure that marriage lasts but the contrary is the case as many women have lost their homes because they do not enjoy copulation.

The need also to keep the lineage practice by some families is also one reason why the practice has not been eradicated.

These local circumcisers known as “Oloola” or “Alabe” will go to any length to protect it.

What then can be done to redirect people’s orientation from this harmful practice?

General Secretary, Child Protection Network, CPN, Oyo State, Mrs Aminat Moshood urged women who had gone through the experience to stand against putting their girl-child through the same process.

This according to her is a form of investment towards ending FGM.

Mrs Moshood also urged everyone to take up the challenge of preaching the FGM message everywhere.

She also emphasised the need for women who have been through FGM to become ambassadors to end the practice by sharing their experiences.

In the same vein, Mr Femi Olajide, a member of CPN, maintained that FGM, as claimed to be in the interest of the girl-child, does not benefit them in any way considering the psychological pain and suffering it inflicts.

Apart from that, some girls get urinary or bladder infections while others become infected with HIV/AIDS.

The respondents said no girl or woman should be allowed to go through FGM hence the need for collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate the practice.

Anthonia Akanji