1.1 Introduction
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) previously referred to as female circumcision was a major traditional practice in some towns in Nigeria. FGM has no health benefits. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes with the natural functions of girls’ and women’s bodies. FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, reflecting deep-rooted inequality between the sexes. Since FGM is almost always carried out on minors, it is also a violation of the rights of children. FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Families, communities and cultures in which FGM is performed have different reasons for doing so. A major motivation is that the practice is believed to ensure the girl conforms to key social norms, such as those related to sexual restraint, femininity, respectability and maturity (Simister et al., 2010 and OHCHR, 2008).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, the town could be traced to the old Oyo Empire which was founded in the mid-17th century. However, it is known to its people as 'New Oyo' (Oyo Atiba) to distinguish it from the former capital to the north, 'Old Oyo' (Oyo-Ile). The inhabitants of the area are mostly Yoruba people and the ruler is the Alaafin of Oyo who is the Permanent Chairman of Council of Obas in Oyo State. Oyo shares boundaries with Igboho in the north, and boundaries with Ago-Are in the northwest, Ogbomosho in the northeast, Iseyin southwest, Awe in the southeast and Ibadan in the south. The geographical location of Oyo town lies between latitudes 7° 27' 48.30” and 8° 40' 47.40" north of the Equator and between longitudes 3° 52' 31.35" and 4° 9' 38.23" east of the Greenwich Meridian.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or complete removal of female genitalia for nonmedical reasons (WHO 2008:4; Black and Debelle 1996). WHO (2018) classifies FGM/C into four main types: Type I, also known as clitoridectomy, involves cutting part or all of the clitoris or the prepuce; Type II, also known as excision, entails removing part or all of the clitoris and the labia minora; Type III, also known as infibulation, refers to sewing up or narrowing the vagina opening; and Type IV includes all other forms (e.g., pricking, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area), which do not fit into any of the above categories.
The state covers a total of 28,454 square kilometres of land mass and it is bounded in the south by Ogun State, in the north, by Kwara State and in the west it is partly bounded by Ogun State and partly by the Republic of Benin, while in the East, by Osun State. The landscape consists of old hard rocks and dome shaped hills, which rise gently from about 500 meters in the southern part and reaching a height of about 1,219 metres above sea level in the northern part.
The practice of FGM in Nigeria has been a significant issue of concern to stakeholders in various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Government effort towards the eradication of the practice has reached appreciable considerable height. It is quite glaring that laws abolishing the practice have been passed at various levels of government legislation. However, eradicating this practice seems almost impossible.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the concept of Female Genital Mutilation.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the health effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have progressed in recent years. A WHO - led study of more than 28 000 pregnant women in six African countries found that those who had undergone FGM had a significantly higher risk of childbirth complications, such as caesarean section and postpartum haemorrhage, than those without FGM. In addition, the death rate for babies during and immediately after birth was higher for mothers with FGM than those without.
The risks of both birth complications and neonatal death increased relative to the severity of type of FGM (WHO, 2006). Sexual problems are also more common among women who have undergone FGM. They are 1.5 times more likely to experience pain during sexual intercourse, have significantly less sexual satisfaction and are twice as likely to report a lack of sexual desire (Berg et al., 2010).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the socio-cultural factors militating against female genital mutilation practice among Women.
- To critically examine the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) among Women.
- To examine the nature and dynamics of female genital mutilation among Women in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there socio-cultural factors militating against female genital mutilation practice among Women?
- Does the practice of genital mutilation have effect on females in Nigeria?
- What is the nature and dynamics of female genital mutilation among Women in Nigeria?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will educate people about the practice, prevalence and consequences associated with Female Genital Mutilation. It will also be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the assessment of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
