What Factors Influence the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria ? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Female Genital Mutilation is the excision of any part of the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 200 million girls and women have been mutilated around the world. This practise is strongly tied to different cultural traditions. FGM has called for international recognition due to its violation of human rights. Over the past decades, there have been deliberations by researchers concerning the practice of FGM. Some have tried to understand the perception behind the practise of FGM from a Cultural Relativism aspect while others perceive it from an Ethical Relativism perspective. The Nigeria Demographic Health Survey, estimated that the prevalence rate of FGM was 24.8% in 2013. Despite the interventions in place, there is still a persistence of FGM in Nigeria. Objectives: 1) To Identify various contextual factors attributing to the persistence of FGM in Nigeria. 2) To recognise how these factors affect the Anti-FGM interventions in Nigeria. 3) To examine the attitudes and perception of the victims and other Nigerians towards FGM.Review methodology: A Systematic Review was used to carry out this research. It was used because of its ability to include both quantitative and qualitative studies, and due to its hierarchy of evidence. A narrative analysis was equally used to describe the studies which were included in this review. Results:Three studies had similar findings concerning the practice of FGM in Nigeria which includes traditions, easing of childbirth and better marriage prospect, while 3 other studies concluded that FGM prevents sexual promiscuity. On the other hand, the remaining 3 studies had a different findings which was either religion, lack of awareness of the bans towards FGM and the sociodemographic and economic factors. Conclusion:The ban that has been placed against FGM is just one aspect pointing Nigeria towards the right direction, however, Interventions need to be established which should include the local community and their leaders to effect a change. More primary research needs to be conducted in various states in Nigeria to understand the impact and progress of this law. Innovative ways of engaging a greater proportion of the affected population are also necessary.Some cultural anthropologist had tried to understand FGM from the perspective of cultural relativism, however, others have tried to understand from the ethical relativism perspective. From the cultural relativism point of view, FGM is a deep rooted, traditional practice whereas, from an ethical relativism, it identifies the concept of right or J o u rnal of C o a s ta l Zon e M a n a gemen t

Factors Linked to Female Genital Mutilation Practice among Women Living in Alungu Village of Mandera County, Kenya

“…The findings this study are in line with what have been reported by other studies which observed that FGM was largely practiced in communities for conformity to cultural and traditional beliefs, and norms including FGM being perceived as rite of passage for girls to womanhood and that it enhance chastity and purity making girls more marriageable. 20 , 16 , 21 Similar to the findings of this study, Reig Alcaraz et al 22 and Ogoe 4 also noted that the need to conform to traditional cultural beliefs that supported FGM remained a leading reason for the continued practice of FGM in many settings across the globe. The findings of this study support the observations made by Moranga 15 which attributed the persistence of FGM practice in one of Kenya's communities to FGM being used as a symbol of ethnic identity, a community mobilization tool and it being associated with feminine beauty and cleanliness.…”

“…4 , 13 , 14 Among factors cited to contribute to this harmful practice in the East African region include its social acceptance, low level of awareness about its harmful impact on the health of women and girls, cultural beliefs and traditions, ignorance on women's reproductive health issues among local communities and beliefs that FGM leads to increased pleasure for male partners, enhanced fertility and improved marriage prospects. 4 , 15 , 16 …”

Contextual determinants of generational continuation of female genital mutilation among women of reproductive age in nigeria: analysis of the 2018 demographic and health survey

“…A previous study shows that mothers' intentions and perceived benefits of FGM underlie their intention to practice genital mutilation [ 14 ]. This may relate to mothers who ascribe sexual purity to FGM and for them, performing FGM on their daughters could help them to maintain the 'legacy' of sexual purity [ 15 , 16 ]. Where mothers who were themselves mutilated in turn expose their daughters to the same mutilation process, this is referred to as generational continuation of FGM in this study.…”

“…Beyond this theoretical postulation, it might be reasoned that some mothers who underwent FGM might find it harmful and thus refuse to extend it to their daughters. However, available evidence from Nigeria shows that there are factors that might make women to expose their daughters to FGM despite the harms posed by the practice [ 14 – 16 ]. For instance, many girls/women are made to undergo FGM out of fear of stigmatisation and rejection in their communities [ 16 ].…”

“…However, available evidence from Nigeria shows that there are factors that might make women to expose their daughters to FGM despite the harms posed by the practice [ 14 – 16 ]. For instance, many girls/women are made to undergo FGM out of fear of stigmatisation and rejection in their communities [ 16 ]. In some parts of Nigeria, FGM is essential to girls' marriageability and religious inclination [ 8 ].…”