By Adepeju Mabadeje, Guest Writer.
Female Genital Mutilation which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genital organ or other injury to it has no doubt remained a persistent nuisance for most African Countries, Nigeria inclusive.
This practice, usually carried out by inexperienced women with crude implements, has continued to cause mental and physical depression, pain, painful intercourse due to scar tissue blocking the vagina and labour complications from excessive scar tissue, permanent disabilities and even deaths of numerous females in Nigeria.
From the puberty rites of tradition to the desire to prevent promiscuity in females, personal hygiene etc, so many reasons has been advanced by proponents of this act to justify their deed. To them, the excruciating pains suffered by their patients who are neither given antibiotics or anesthesia is a little price for the ‘protection’ guaranteed by the process.
In Nigeria, the commitment of the Government does not go beyond the papers as there are no federal laws outlawing this barbaric custom. The country thus remains one of the 27 countries in Africa where Female Genital Mutilation is still practiced. This is despite the fact that Section 34(1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states ‘no person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment’.
In 2002, the legislative arm of the Country attempted to pass a law prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation. This anticipated law proposes a two years imprisonment jail term or an option of 15,000 naira (100 dollar) for the offender. However, like all other women rights bill, this bill has remained what it is since 2002, just an attempt.
Again, I am asking when will this lip service to women’s rights end?
Questions:
1. What does Female Genital Mutilation hope to achieve?
2. If this purpose is an old practice, is there a more suitable alternative that would prevent harm to the woman?
3. Is this a ‘man thing’ where male dominance forces such an act?
Could someone answer these questions, please?
Thanks,
+ Anthony
We don’t know the amswers Fr. Anthony, only that this heinous infringement of a female’s dignity, not to mention the suffering is going on too long!
How can you speak of a suitable alternative?
Dear Yasmin,
It is because I do not know what is involved do I ask this - through ignorance as it was.
Personally, I do not understand why any mutilation of a body should be continued whilst anyone is of a minority age (e.g. male circumcision). If a choice is to be made, it should be by the person themselves - WHEN they are old enough to decide and without any form of peer pressure.
If a person WILLINGLY decides to do this as a mature adult, without any outside influence then that is his or her choice. Until then, the answers should be - LEAVE the innocent alone!
I hope this clarifies my views and I hope I have not caused any upset by my initial response.
+ Anthony
No you haven’t caused any upset but what is the church doing these days to deal with the abuse of women?
Dear Yasmin,
The ‘Church’ does not condone such activities, though does not from my understanding (there) interfere with local customs - as it does not have the power to do so.
I would hope that the Church is there to educate, to support all - I cannot say as I’m not there, but where Missionary work has predominantly been in a place (in the past) it tends to reproach local customs that harm people. - BUT - I do not know in this instance.
If I was there, I would hope through open education (without ‘conversion’) the Church would help educate those involved.
+ Anthony
I agree with Yasmin that this infringement of female dignity is going on for too long. Before talking a about a suitable alternative, I think we should first ask if the act itself is necessary, thus worthy of an alternative. The unproven belief that uncircumcised women are promiscuous further works against the eradication of the act. As for the churches in Nigeria, I can assure you that majority of them are more concerned about improving the financial status and congregational number of their churches than advocating women’s’ right.
For now, we are left to fight our battles ourselves
Well said Adepeju!