Peer-reviewed article
Exploring the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation: Primary Healthcare providers experience and their Perspective on Elimination.
Agboeze J, Nwali MI, Orji ML, Ikechukwu-Nwobodo M, Ugwoke SI et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explores why female genital mutilation persists in Nigeria despite being illegal, using interviews and focus groups with primary healthcare providers. The research identifies that historical traditions, religious beliefs, social pressure from older women and peers, and the belief that FGM reduces promiscuity sustain the practice. Healthcare providers identified three key areas for elimination efforts: understanding laws against FGM, culturally sensitive education, and public awareness campaigns. The study concludes that interventions targeting schools, religious leaders, and older men and women, along with stronger enforcement of anti-violence laws, could help eradicate the practice.
Key points
- Nigeria has the third highest number of FGM survivors globally, with an estimated 19.9 million women and girls
- Historical traditions and religious rites are primary drivers of FGM persistence
- Social pressure from older women and peers, combined with fear of criticism and desire for peer acceptance, sustains the practice
- Belief that FGM reduces promiscuity is a motivating factor for continuation
- Easy movement of circumcisers across communities facilitates ongoing practice despite legal prohibition
Limitations
This is a qualitative study based on healthcare providers' perspectives and experiences; it does not provide quantitative data on prevalence rates or measure the effectiveness of any specific elimination interventions. The study identifies barriers and drivers but does not test solutions.
Abstract
Background Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains widespread in Nigeria. With an estimated 19.9 million survivors, Nigeria accounts for the third highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. This study, therefore, aimed at identifying the factors that sustain the practice despite its illegality. Primary healthcare providers' experience and their perspectives on the elimination of FGM/C. Methodology This study used a descriptive qualitative design based on grounded theory. We used purposive sampling to identify and recruit primary health care providers. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted, and qualitative analysis was undertaken to develop a conceptual framework for understanding both the roots and the drivers of FGM. Results Historical traditions and religious rites preserve FGM and ensure its continuity, and older women and peers are a source of support for the practice through the pressure they exert. The easy movement of circumcisers across communities helps to perpetuate the practice, as does the belief that FGM will reduce promiscuity. Data collected between October and December 2023 were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Three themes exploring healthcare providers' perspectives on elimination of FGM/C were identified, namely understanding laws against FGM/C; perspectives on culturally sensitive education; and exploring public awareness raising activities in Nigeria. Conclusion Female Genital Mutilation continues to persist despite its illegality because of social pressure on women/girls to conform to social norms, peer acceptance, fear of criticism, and religious reasons. Implementing interventions targeting schools, religious leaders, older men, women, and strengthening Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) will help eradicate the practice.