Using Public Relations Techniques to Eradicate Female Genital Mutilation in Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study investigated the use of public relations techniques to eradicate female genital mutilation among young women/girls in Toru-Abubu local government area of Bayelsa State. The objective of the study was to examine how Public Relations programmes could create awareness on the hazards of female genital mutilation. The survey research design was adopted for the study, with the population of two hundred and twenty (220) respondents comprising the youths, adult men and women randomly selected from five social groups in the areas. Structured questionnaire was developed and used as the instrument for the study. The data analysed using inferential statistical tool was presented in frequency and percentage table. The hypothesis postulated was tested with chi-square test aided by computer through the application of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23 version). The study recommended that; penalty backed by law should be instituted by the government to punish anyone caught still practicing female genital mutilation and that Public Relations programmes such as the family health education should be invested in, so as to create more awareness and better education of women/girls on the harmful effect of female genital mutilation in the country.

Keywords: Public relations, Female, Genital mutilation, Toru-Abubu, Etc.