Female genital mutilation in Nigeria accounts for the most female genital mutilation (FGM) cases worldwide. The practice is considered harmful to girls and women and a violation of human rights. FGM causes infertility, maternal death, infections, and the loss of sexual pleasure.
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Nationally, 27% of Nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are victims of FGM. In the last 30 years, prevalence of the practice has decreased by half in some parts of Nigeria.
In May 2015, Former President Goodluck Jonathan signed a federal law banning FGM. Opponents of the practice cite this move as an important step forward in Africa, as Nigeria is the most populous country and has set an important precedent. Though the practice has declined, activists and scholars say a cultural shift is necessary to abolish the practice, as the new law will not singularly change the wider violence against women in Nigeria.
Cultural perception
Data shows that the majority of people believe female genital mutilation should end, but they cite social pressures to continue the practice with their daughters. Of women aged 15 to 49 polled between 2004–2015, 64% want to end the practice.
Influence on other African nations
Human rights activists believe the 2015 federal ban in Nigeria will influence other African countries—a region in which the practice is highly prevalent—because of Nigeria's economic and political stronghold within the continent.
Types practiced
Nigerians practice the following forms of female genital mutilation:
Clitoridectomies are more common in the south of the country, and the more extreme methods, like infibulation, are prevalent in the north.
Activism
Organizations seeking to end FGM in Nigeria include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the Population Council.
The Circumcision Descendants Association of Nigeria (CDAN)—a group whose members perform FGM in Nigeria, has advocated to end the practice by creating new government programs and economic opportunities for those who perform female genital mutilation.