Female genital mutilation: A challenge to Health Education

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual removal of some or all the external female genitalia, typically carried out by a traditional circumcised with a blade or razor, with or without anaesthesia. FGM is practiced by ethnic groups in 27 countries of which Nigeria is one. The practice is rooted in gender inequality, attempts to control women's sexually, idea about purity, modesty and aesthetics , ànd a sense of obligation. FGM has been outlawed or restricted in most of the counties where it occurs, but the laws are poorly enforced. Nigerian, due to its large population, has the highest absolute number of female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide, accounting for about one quarter of the estimated 115-130 million circumcised women in the world. Type I and Type II are more wide spread but less harmful compared to type III ànd then Type IV. There is need to eradicate FGM in Nigeria.