Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice in certain cultures involving the partial or total removal of girls’ and young women’s external genitalia for non-medical purposes. Despite global efforts to end this harmful practice, according to UNICEF, FGM remains widespread in Nigeria, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors, making Nigeria the third-highest country in terms of the number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. Alarmingly, recent data shows a rise in FGM rates among Nigerian girls aged 0-14, increasing from 16.9% in 2013 to 19.2% in 2018, a trend that has prompted concern.
In Nigeria, disparities in the practice exist, with Imo State having a prevalence rate of 62%, while other states such as Adamawa and Gombe have rates of less than 1%. The South East and South West regions have the highest prevalence rates, at 35% and 30% respectively, while the North East has the lowest at 6%.
As Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, aptly stated, “The practice of FGM not only has no health benefits, it is deeply harmful to girls and women, both physically and psychologically. It is a practice that has no place in our society today and must be ended.”
The practice of female genital mutilation is an abuse of human rights and an offense against the Law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 1 and 3 is against female genital mutilation. There are several International, Federal, and State Laws against FGM such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, etc.
In Imo State, there is the Imo State Female Genital Mutilation Law enacted in 2017. This Law unequivocally prohibits FGM within the State and imposes severe penalties on offenders, including imprisonment for a term of 14 years, a fine of N250,000.00, or both. Subsequently, in 2021, the State passed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, which further strengthens the fight against FGM. This Law imposes even stricter punishments, including not more than 14 years imprisonment or a fine not below N500,000, or both for those who practice FGM. The VAPP Law states that, if death occurs as a result of FGM or the victim dies within one year from the injury sustained from FGM, the offender shall, on conviction, be liable to life imprisonment.
Moreover, the VAPP Law outlines penalties for individuals who attempt to commit the offense of FGM, as well as for those who incite, aid, receive, or counsel another to commit the offense. Notably, the Law also addresses situations where a female willingly submits herself for the performance of FGM, making it clear that such an act is an offense punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, a fine not exceeding N200,000.00 or both.
The stringent legal measures implemented by Imo State are crucial steps towards ending this harmful practice and ensuring the protection of women and girls. However, these Laws are worthless if they cannot be enforced. But how can a Law be enforced if people do not know about it and how to take advantage of it. As we celebrate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, the CSAAE Advocacy team is reminding Imolites that FGM is against the Law and survivors of FGM can sue perpetrators. The first step towards getting justice as a survivor of FGM is to contact a lawyer. The lawyer will direct you on what to do. If you are a survivor and you need help finding a lawyer or if you wish to report a perpetrator, please feel free to call the CSAAE Advocacy Toll Free Line for support: 0800-900-1000.
While legislation and lawsuits are critical aspects of ending FGM, it is equally important to raise awareness and change societal attitudes. Community education and empowerment programs can play a pivotal role in shifting cultural norms and attitudes toward FGM. These initiatives should involve community leaders, religious authorities, and grassroots organizations to effectively communicate the dangers and consequences of FGM, and to promote alternative rites of passage that celebrate womanhood without causing harm.
We, therefore, call on the government, religious leaders, schools, and civil society organizations to join hands with CSAAE in the fight against FGM not only in Imo State but throughout Nigeria. For comments, questions, and inquiries, please call: 08165047214.
