“LAW alone cannot end FGM!” - Okoye Robinson C.
Female Genital Cutting
(also known as Female Genital Mutilation *FGM*) in Nigeria accounts for the
most female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) cases worldwide. The Female Circumcision,
or FGM, is the removal or alteration of female genitalia – it varies in
severity from partial removal of the clitoris to complete removal of the
clitoris and adjoining labia as well as the joining of both sides of the vulva
together across the vagina.
After the
circumcision is complete, many experience severe bleeding, difficulty
urinating, childbirth complications, infections, loss of sexual pleasure and in
some cases, death.
But the supporters
of this practice are justifying it on much of the same grounds that the world
support male circumcision, one said:
“The uncircumcised clitoris and penis are considered
homologous aesthetically and hygienically: Just as the male foreskin covers the
head of the penis, the female foreskin covers the clitoral glands. Both, they
argue, lead to build-up of smegma and bacteria in the layers of skin between
the hood and glands. This accumulation is thought of as odorous, susceptible to
infection and a nuisance to keep clean on a daily basis. Further, circumcised
women point to the risks of painful clitoral adhesions that occur in girls and
women who do not cleanse properly, and to the requirement of excision as a
treatment for these extreme cases.”
They also point
to the risk of clitoral hypertrophy or an enlarged clitoris that resembles a
small penis – for these reasons, many circumcised women view the decision to
circumcise their daughters as something as obvious as the decision to
circumcise sons.
However, the
World Health Organization has branded this practice as harmful to girls and
women and a violation of human rights.
Nationally, 27%
of Nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are victims of FGM – in the last
30 years, prevalence of the practice has decreased by half in some parts of
Nigeria.
In May 2015, former
President Goodluck Jonathan signed a Federal Law banning FGM; opponents of the
practice cite this move as an important step forward in Africa, as Nigeria is
the most populous country and has set an important precedent.
Though the
practice has declined, activists say a cultural shift is necessary to abolish
the practice, as the Law will not singularly change the wider violence against
women in Nigeria. They lamented that not only is the law not being enforced,
many families still believe FGM is not violent and is necessary to maintain the
chastity and marriage eligibility of their daughters.
Among these Activists
is Okoye Robinson C (@robinson4eva), an #ENDFGM Social Media Advocate. He is a
Publisher and the Chairperson, International Youth Council-Nigeria (IYCN),
Anambra State. He is part of the team of #EndCuttingGirls Nigeria” - a campaign
that unites Youth Advocates and other stakeholders (Organizations,
communities’, government, individuals, etc.) in an effort to end the practice
of FGM/C in this generation.
He spoke with
@stampougbv on salient issue concerning FGM and more. Excerpts.
@stampoutgbb: Is there any cultural or religious basis
for FGM/C? There's need to know this so the advocates know how to convincingly
drive their points home while sensitizing hard-core circumcisers.
@robinson4eva: It is
erroneously linked to religion. It is not particular to any religious faith and
predates Christianity and Islam. It has to do with culture because most people
tie it to the ‘rites of passage’. In fact, it is just a social norm, which was
rooted and many people have seen it as their culture without even knowing why
it's done. We are trying to make them leave the harmful part and still keep
their traditions. The Catholic Church in Ebonyi was very helpful in the case of
Izzi.
For more information, you can check out the
resources at http://www.endcuttinggirls.org @endcuttinggirls
@stampoutgbv: Some countries have passed legislation
prohibiting FGM/C - is Nigeria among? Besides, how effective are laws in
reducing the practice?
@robinson4eva: Yes, Former
President Goodluck Jonathan signed a Federal Law prohibiting FGM/C in May,
2015. The Law cannot do the job alone – we need to go to the remote areas and
educate people about the cruelty of this practice. Laws without sensitizing the
people will be catastrophic. It will make them not report cases.
@stampoutgbv: What are some of the alternative rites
of passage that have been proposed in communities that practice FGM/C and what
is being done to include men, religious leaders & community elders in these
EFFORTS?
@robinson4eva: Rites of
passages are integral parts of these cultures and many of them are beautiful. But as it is known worldwide, cultural
practices can be beneficial, neutral or harmful. So, our campaign is not to
propose alternative rite of passage but removal of harmful practices.
We aren't
preaching against their culture or rites of passage tradition. We are only saying
that they should keep their tradition but remove FGM/C, which is harmful and a
violation of the rights of these victims.
We are engaging people
of influence and also, present drama, empowerment programs and orientation of
the teenage girls, which will teach them on how to become a better person.
@stampoutgbv: What part has UNICEF played in this alongside
your "community dialogue"?
@robinson4eva: UNICEF is
doing tremendously well. They have been involving men, traditional/community
leaders in the fight against FGM. The dialogue involves all leaders because
they are custodian of cultures and as such, have agreed with us that there's no
positive reason for FGM. In fact, religious and community leaders have been
helpful and that's why there was a public declaration to abandon FGM/C by Izzi.
Hence, the fight is a success.
@stampoutgbv: We believe you are aware that the
practice of FGM/C is increasingly being conducted in health facilities by
health providers with the idea of reducing the immediate health risks - so,
what do you think about this medicalization/modernization of the practice?
@robinson4eva: This is a
very important question as it is a big threat to the success of the campaign. The
medicalization of FGM/C is illegal and efforts are being made to stop this.
Even the Nigerian Medical association is against it. You know, the @Fmohnigeria
is a partner in this joint programme – they will handle this. Very soon they
will come out on a concrete plan to fight the medicalization.
@stampoutgbv: The women who are performing this
practice are socially and financially rewarded. How can they be encouraged to
stop the practice?
@robinson4eva: They are
only asked to stop the Female Circumcision – they can still continue getting
there rewards from Male Circumcision.
@stampoutgbv: Let's be clear on this - please, at what
age do girls typically undergo FGM, and what are some reasons girls and women
give to wholeheartedly embrace this practice?
@robinson4eva: It depends
on the tribe; some undergo at eight days old while some at teen (reason for
rites of passage) – some even at adulthood.
@stampoutgbv: A victim of this practice claims that
the reason most women (including herself) are passive to sex today is that the
'sensitive part' of their genitals were mistakenly cut out during circumcision.
Please, how true is that?
@robinson4eva: It is
possible that her genitalia had been cut during the process. Depending on the
type, her clitoris and the labias may have been cut. You know the clitoris is a
sensitive sensual part of a woman's genitalia. When cut off, sexual
satisfaction maybe difficult. This is one of the problems these victims undergo
and this is why we are fighting to end FGM/C in Nigeria.
We shall continue to do our best until FGM/C is stamped out. #endcuttinggirls
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and very resourceful @Robinson.... We must #endcuttinggirls in this generation.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and very resourceful @Robinson.... We must #endcuttinggirls in this generation.
ReplyDelete