Female Genital Mutilation in Nassarawa Eggon Community, Nasarawa State - Nigeria

Abstract

At least 87% of Nassarawa Eggon women were infibulated at the age of 7 or 8. Infibulation, also known as Pharaonic Circumcision, is the most drastic form of female genital mutilation practiced in Nassarawa Eggon. The article examines the rationale for and the consequences of the practice in establishing the differences in the level of promiscuity, sexual satisfaction, medical and adverse physical level between the circumcised (x) and uncircumcised (y), particularly in Nassarawa Eggon, Nasarawa state-Nigeria.  A survey method of research was employed, where 30-circuncised (mean 62.8) and 30-uncircumcised females (mean 48.7) of Nassarawa Eggon were used as participants.  Scores were scored X=1884, mean=62.8, SD= 7.5 and y=1460, mean=48.7, SD=8.2 for circumcised and uncircumcised females respectively using t-test independent for the analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the major causes and reasons of female circumcision are problems relating to the cultural orientation, religious belief, social and medical reasons. It is argued that the incidence of the practice should be reduced and that policy directed towards this aim should be an integral part of other development policies. Since women’s gender identity is at stake, women should be actively involved in formulating and implementing the necessary policies. Their involvement is one of the main prerequisites for progress in the abolition of infibulation and the maintenance of smooth development of psychological thought and personality development. From the above findings, it was recommended that public lectures should be organized in Nassarawa Eggon community in form of seminars, workshops, conferences and teachings through television, radio, newspapers, churches, mosque, schools, and village meetings in order to enlighten and sensitize the people on the implications and dangers of Female Genital Mutilation.

Keywords:Female Genital Mutilation; Clitoridectomy, Sunna, and Infibulation circumcision, labia minora, labia majora, Nigeria